'A true honour': David Attenborough, 98, makes rare appearance during portrait unveiling

Sir David Attenborough is renowned for his work in the world of wildlife documentaries. But at 98, the beloved biologist has taken a step back from the busy schedule of his earlier years.

This week, he made a rare public appearance in exciting news for his many fans.

It was also an exciting moment for Attenborough as he was honored with a new portrait commemorating his fellowship to the Royal Society.

Watch the video above.

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The oil painting was created by Jonathan Yeo, the artist who also produced the official portrait of King Charles III, and features a seated Attenborough clasping his hands together against a green background.

Attenborough was joined by Royal Society president Sir Adrian Smith on Tuesday for a private unveiling of the portrait which was also broadcast to the public on BBC's The One Show.

Footage of the moment shared by The BBC shows Attenborough reacting to the portrait and thanking the Royal Society and Yeo for what he called a "true honour".

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"It was a tremendous honour to be elected a fellow of the Royal Society over 40 years ago and that my portrait has now been painted by such a master as Jonathan Yeo for the Society's extensive and important collection is extraordinary indeed," Attenborough said in a statement.

"To spend so much of my life looking at the natural world and attempting to convey to others its amazing complexity, beauty and, increasingly, it's fragility, has been a great privilege.

Of creating the work of Attenborough, Yeo said, in a statement: "Its hard to imagine a public figure who has done more to engage and inspire all generations in the wonders of the natural world than Sir David."

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The new portrait of the famed biologist shares many similarities with Yeo's portrait of King Charles which was unveiled earlier this year.

While his portrait of Attenborough features an all-green background, the portrait artist made headlines for his unique style choice - depicting the King in a vivid red work.

Yeo has a history of working with the British royals having painted portraits of Queen Camilla when she was still Duchess of Cornwall and the King's dad Prince Phillip.

Attenborough has been known to be well connected with the royal family throughout his life so it seems only fitting that he be commemorated by the same artist.

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