It has been a remarkable 18 years since the tragic passing of Steve Irwin. His son, Robert Irwin, still deeply feels the everlasting pain. As Robert prepares to celebrate his 21st birthday on Nov. 30, he opens up to Australian publication Stellar about the challenges he's faced and how his new TV gig is a tribute to his dad.

Remembering Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, famously known as "The Crocodile Hunter," met a tragic end in 2006 while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. At that time, Robert was just 2 years old and Bindi was 8. His death left a void that still lingers. Since then, Robert has carried on his father's legacy in various ways. He released a book, "Robert Irwin's Australia," which is a celebration of his dad's love for photography. As he said, "My dad was a very, very passionate photographer. It sort of runs in the family." 2: The memories of Steve Irwin are ever-present. Robert often looks through the archives and finds pictures of his dad on his 21st birthday. It's a bittersweet moment, as he realizes the importance of carrying on that legacy. He said, "It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there's someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life."

Navigating Life Without a Father

Life without a father figure is not easy, especially on those special milestones. Robert shared his feelings with Stellar, saying, "It can be heartbreaking. I can't beat around the bush. It's really hard, particularly when it's those milestones. It's difficult navigating that without a father figure." But he also praised his family, especially his mum, for stepping up and making sure he never felt like he missed out on anything. 2: His sister Bindi also added her support, commenting on his Instagram post, "Dad is so proud of you." This shows the strong bond within the family and how they are all working together to keep Steve Irwin's spirit alive.

Carrying on the Legacy

Robert has been determined to keep his father's legacy alive. He told People magazine in 2022 that his dad instilled in him a passion for being there for his sister and always being devoted. This passion has become his foundation. He released the book as a way to celebrate his own individual way of carrying on his father's legacy. 2: In addition to the book, Robert has also starred in various television shows throughout his career. Now, he is taking on a new challenge as the co-host of "I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!" He said, "It's live TV, and it's the biggest adrenaline rush ever. That's what I love."

Embracing the Future

With a new look and a new career path, Robert is excited about what the future holds. He hopes to make his dad proud in his own way. He said, "Life is about pushing yourself and having fun … I've learnt a lot. I've always wanted to continue the legacy – that's very important to me, obviously – my dad's legacy, my family's legacy. But I want to do it in my own way." 2: His fans have also noticed a striking resemblance between him and Prince Harry, which shows the impact he has had. Robert is ready to embrace this new chapter and make his mark in the world.