Natural history film maker David Attenborough has been joined by royalty and celebrities at Australia House in London for a special pre-screening of a new documentary series on the Great Barrier Reef
Nearly 60 years since he last filmed on the reef, Attenborough has returned to make a three-part series featuring the latest in film techniques and marine science to bring the reef to audiences around the world.
The 89-year-old was joined on Wednesday night by Prince Philip, entertainer Barry Humphries, scientist Tim Flannery, actor Helena Bonham Carter and celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Heston Blumenthal for the screening of the first episode.
On a sand carpet laid down for guests entering Australia House for the event, Humphries said he was a "huge admirer and old friend" of Attenborough.
He described the Barrier Reef as "an enormous piece of costume jewellery clinging to the bosom of Australia".
Australia's High Commissioner in London, Alexander Downer, told around 200 guests that the reef was "Australia's greatest natural icon" and Attenborough had inspired Australians "to cherish and preserve this natural wonder of the world".
He said the Australian government knew it had "a very great responsibility" to manage and build the resilience of the reef which faced big challenges such as climate change.
The film's producer, Anthony Geffen, said Attenborough had jumped at the chance to make a film about the reef which the veteran broadcaster had referred to as "one of the most magical places on the planet".
Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough screens in Australia next year, just weeks before Tourism Australia launches a major push to promote Australia's coastal and aquatic experiences.
