Prince William's unexpected cameo on reality show sparks major debate

The Prince of Wales' unexpected cameo on a very popular reality TV show has sparked a major debate online.

On Tuesday (11 November), Prince William appeared on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, connecting via video link to offer encouragement to Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old conservationist and son of the beloved late wildlife expert Steve Irwin.

The cameo, which was pre-recorded, saw William addressing the Aussie competitor as 'twinkle toes' whilst expressing his support for the youngster's dancing journey.

The father of three also shared his disappointment at Irwin's absence from the recent Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.

Irwin, who serves as a global ambassador for the environmental initiative established by the Prince and The Royal Foundation to address pressing ecological challenges, had been scheduled to attend the awards ceremony in Brazil last week (5 November), but remained Stateside due to his ongoing participation in the dance competition.

Prince William made an unexpected cameo on Dancing with the Stars earlier this week (ABC)

"We're missing you, Robert. Whilst your 'twinkle toes' are going off elsewhere, I need you down here," William said during the video call.

The judges later awarded Irwin and his dance partner, Witney Carson, a perfect score for their emotional Foxtrot routine to Leona Lewis' 'Footprints in the Sand' track.

After catching light of the cameo, many royal fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts.

One disgruntled X user fumed: "So not #StrictlyComeDancing the UK one, he's on the US version!"

"Exactly it’s laughable at this point!" chirped a second while a third chimed in: "Thinks he can phone in to a US TV show to try to upstage his brother for attention, so lame."

A fourth angrily hit out: "What a weirdo. He doesn’t have any British shows to call in?"

"Phoned in an American show on its Veterans Day and doesn’t acknowledge the vets. Not surprised," slammed a fifth.

William offered some words of support for contestant Robert Irwin and his dance partner, Witney Carson (ABC)

Another echoed: "On Veterans Day????? Are people going to roast him like they did Harry going to a party?"

And a final critic jabbed: "William Parker Bowles appeared on Dancing with the Stars, but hey, Harry and Meghan attending the biggest Hollywood party in LA is tacky hahaha."

Others, meanwhile, were far less pressed.

"I was watching it and it was awesome!!! Love him!" gushed one X user while a second beamed: "Very nice and supportive of Prince William."

And a third added: "Two amazing men! Love them both!!"

Tyla has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.