Fans of Sir David Attenborough have been left shocked after realising how many prestigious titles and Fellowships he holds. 

The nature broadcaster, who turned 99 on Thursday, has achieved a lot in his lifetime, studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge before joining the BBC in 1952. 

He has since travelled the world, discovering different climates in India, China and the Arctic, and reporting on numerous animal species - all while warning viewers about the effects of climate change and pollution. 

Sir David was first knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth for his efforts in 1985 before receiving another knighthood, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael And St George, by Charles, then Prince of Wales, in 2022.

But lovers of Sir David were left gobsmacked when they realised how many titles he actually holds.

Sir David has been awarded 11 titles over the years, which means he has more letters that come after his name than in it. These include OM, GSMG, CH, CVO, CBE, FRS, FSA, FRSA, FZS, FRSGS and FRSB.

David Attenborough is 17 letters, but the titles add up to a whopping 36 letters.

A page posted Sir David's impressive CV on X, which racked up many comments, with people applauding him for his work in the realm of wildlife, nature and the environment.

One wrote: 'He deserves every single one of them.'  Another penned: 'This wonderful man has seen and done so much.' 

A third said: 'Thanks for narrating nature Sir. It was my Sundays as a kid.' A fourth joked: 'I think someone just accidentally leaned on the keyboard.'

Sir David holds the Order of Merit (OM), which is described by the Royal Family as a 'very special distinction' given to those who have significantly contributed to the 'the defacement of the Arts, Learning, Literature, and Science or such other exceptional service as we are fit to recognise.'

He also has had the Order of St Michael and St George bestowed upon him (GSMG). It is given to those who have given their service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

Sir David was also awarded the Companion of Honour (CH) for his contribution to the realm of science. Only 65 members at any one time are allowed to hold this title.

Dame Maggie Smith, Lord Coe, Stephen Hawking, John Major and Desmond Tutu were also awarded these titles. However, only few have both the Order of Merit and the Companion of Honour like Sir David. 

The environmentalist also has the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) under his belt. Those who are given this title must have given their personal service to the British monarchy.

Sir David was given the CVO in 1991 for producing the late Queen Elizabeth's Christmas broadcast a number of times over the years.

The nature lover has a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), which was created by King George V during World War I to reward services to the war effort.

CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, followed by OBE and then MBE and it is given to those who have made a positive impact in their work. 

Along with having many awards from the Firm, Sir David is also a Fellow at many charities that align with his life's work. 

He has a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) title, which is granted for a substantial contribution to the advancement of science. 

The biologist is also a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA), a charity made up of historians and archaeologists.

Sir David is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA), a charity championing social progress and sustainable development founded in 1754. 

The historian is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS) which is the world's oldest active biological society. 

Sir David is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London (FZS), a Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (FRSGS) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), all of which demonstrates his outstanding work to nature, wildlife and life sciences.