Baby born on Attenborough's 100th birthday named after environmentalist

Maria CassidyBBC Wales
News imageStephen Whyte A selfie of Lauren Evans and Stephen Whyte. Lauren has red hair, glasses and tattoos on her chest and neck. Stephen has light hair with a beard and is wearing a dark top. Stephen Whyte
Proud parents Stephen and Lauren said it was lovely to honour Sir David in their own little way

A baby born just before midnight on Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday has been named after the legendary broadcaster and environmentalist.

Ambrose Attenborough Whyte was born at 23:58 BST on 8 May weighing 7lb 5oz.

Proud parents Stephen Whyte, 35, and Lauren Evans, 27, from Powys, said they wanted to honour the conservationist in their own way.

Whyte said Sir David has been present in both their lives for as "long as they can remember", and they have a "great amount of respect for him".

News imageStephen Whyte Lauren Evans in a hospital bed holding Ambrose. She is looking down at him. Stephen Whyte
Lauren said she was determined for Ambrose to be born on 8 May

He said when the couple were younger they would watch Attenborough documentaries, helping to foster their "love for animals".

The couple had an appointment for Evans to be induced on 7 May, and it was only when labour started that she realised the baby could be born on Sir David's birthday.

"There had been things going on in some of the local schools. Either people picking up litter and being really active in the community to celebrate his 100th birthday.

"I was like, 'oh, it would be really nice if he was born on the same day as David Attenborough's birthday'," Evans said.

Whyte said the couple had another middle name planned but decided "on the cuff" to change it to Attenborough.

News imageGetty Images David AttenboroughGetty Images
Attenborough joined the BBC in 1952 and had a stint as controller of BBC Two

After being taken into theatre, the couple told medical staff of their plans.

"They said, 'we'll see what we can do'," said Whyte.

Whyte said he hopes that, like them, their son grows up with Sir David as an inspiration.

"He'll certainly grow up watching nature documentaries. Hopefully he'll build up an interest in conservationism," he added.