Lorraine Kelly has lead the stars wishing a happy 99th birthday to broadcasting 'legend' Sir David Attenborough. 

The biologist, who is famous for his nature documentaries and unequivocal climate change campaigning, celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday. 

It also marked the cinema release of his latest documentary, Ocean, which explores how undersea life and environment has changed over Sir David's life and how there is still hope for preservation. 

Among the celebrities who paid tribute to him on his birthday was fellow broadcaster Lorraine, 65, who shared a snap of the pair after she interviewed him.  

'Happy 99th Birthday Sir David - a giant of a man,' Lorraine wrote. 'The best of us. Total legend. I'm honoured to have met you.'

Another star to wish Sir David a happy birthday was BBC journalist Amol Rajan, who hailed him 'the greatest living Briton'.

Amol, 41, wrote: 'In a few hours time, David Attenborough will be 99. Aside from being the greatest living Briton, the best broadcaster of all time, the most influential advocate for Nature ever, and the most mesmerising voice of them all, the boy from Leicester - who celebrated his 19th birthday on VE Day - has done more for public understanding of Science than anyone since Charles Darwin. 

'Cherish him! Savour the fact that you share this precious blue marble, dangling in the infinite darkness, with someone who has fought so hard and so long to preserve it. Grief teaches us many lessons; one of the most vital is that you must not wait until it’s too late before registering your gratitude or servicing your moral debts. 

'I have written to Sir David to say thank you, though we have met only once and briefly. What an astonishing man; what an inspirational life. And by his own account, he's certainly not done yet.'

TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, known for his show Jimmy's Farm, also wished the national treasure a happy birthday. 

'Wishing the legend that is Sir David Attenborough, a very happy 99th birthday!!' Jimmy, 49, said. 

'I had the pleasure of interviewing him as part of a show I presented for the BBC called the Museum of Life in 2010, telling the story of the scientific work carried out by the Natural History Museum.

'For decades Sir David has been sharing the wonders of our natural world and inspired millions, including myself. Happy birthday David!! #davidattenborough #happybirthday.'

The Prince of Wales also shared a message to Sir David to mark his 99th birthday, as he told his X followers how the naturalist has offered him a 'sense of hope and optimism' in protecting the planet.

The message read: 'As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats - this time those beneath the ocean. 

'He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. 

'However hard hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different.'

The post, which included a sweet snap of the pair together, concluded: 'We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David. W' 

William has repeatedly revealed his admiration for Sir David, and recently called him an inspiration to 'my children and me'.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, William hailed the naturalist's 'lifetime of extraordinary service to our planet'.

He said: 'May we all raise a glass to a true giant – and continue the mission he has led with such grace and urgency.'

In Sir David's new documentary, Ocean, he reflects on his mortality and what he has learnt from a lifetime studying the Earth, saying: 'After living for nearly 100 years, I now understand that if we save the sea we save our world.'

Sir David is closely involved in William's Earthshot Prize, which gives £1 million every year to five projects tackling climate challenges. 

He has also worked with King Charles on numerous environmental causes.

William added: 'We celebrate not just a milestone of years, but a lifetime of extraordinary service to our planet. 

'Through his boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom and unwavering commitment... he has brought the wonders of Earth into our homes and into our hearts.

'His voice has become a guiding light in our understanding of nature, and his message – that we must cherish and protect our planet – has never been more vital.

'He has inspired my children and me in so many ways.'