Heartbreaking detail in Irwin clan’s first family photo with Robert’s girlfriend Rorie Buckey – as engagement rumours surrounding the couple continue to swirl
A heartbreaking detail in Bindi Irwin’s recent family photo was revealed as the conservationist clan gathered for a happy group shot.
Reuniting for the first family photo with brother Robert’s new girlfriend Rorie Buckeye, Bindi also posed with daughter Grace and husband Chandler Powell.
Many eagle-eyed fans noticed Chandler’s shirt in the picture, which was posted to Instagram on Tuesday.
The American-born former professional wakeboarder, 26, wore a T-shirt with a photo of his late father-in-law Steve Irwin on the front.
The Australian icon and father to Bindi, 25, and Robert, 19, held a giant crocodile on his graphic T-shirt.
A heartbreaking detail in Bindi Irwin’s recent family picture was revealed as the conservationist clan gathered for a group photo. Pictured (from back): Australia Zoo Managing Director Luke Revley, his partner Mitch, Terry Irwin, Rory Bucky, Grace Warrior, Bindi Irwin, Chandler Powell and Robert Irwin
Elsewhere in the picture, Robert’s 19-year-old girlfriend beamed as she nestled into Irwin family matriarch Terri Irwin.
The move did little to quell the swirling engagement rumors surrounding Robert and Rory, with Bindi calling her possible daughter-in-law ‘beautiful’ in the caption.
“(She’s) the sweetest soul, a beautiful friend, I love her so much and you’ll usually see Grace just following her around because she adores her,” Bindi said of Rory.
The student quickly responded to her possible future daughter-in-law, writing: “You are the best. I love you so much!’
Eagle-eyed fans spotted Bindi’s husband Chandler, 26, wearing a T-shirt featuring his late father-in-law Steve Irwin on the front
Bindi shared more in her loving caption, saying she was “grateful for every moment shared” in the group, before moving on to individual statements.
“My brother Robert Irwin, the real selfie – The extrovert of our family, hilariously funny and definitely on a huge non-stop life adventure,” she wrote.
Next up was husband Chandler Powell.
“My husband Chandler Powell – The strongest and kindest man I’ve ever known, always there for our family, the best Dada to Grace, accepting every challenge and ready for every adventure life throws at us,” she added.
Next comes the couple’s daughter Grace, two years old.
‘Our daughter Grace – A little swirl of beautiful energy, curious, wants to be outside 24/7, collects animal toys wherever we go and is the light of our lives.’
Bindi shared a loving caption below the photo, saying she was ‘grateful for every moment shared’ among the group pictured
Bindi also commented on Australia Zoo’s CEO, Luke Reavley, and Creative Services Manager, Mitch.
‘Our amazing friend and CEO of Australia Zoo, Luke Reavley – a wonderful friend for over 17 years, solving problems and changing the world.’
Our wonderful friend and Creative Services Manager at Australia Zoo, Mich. (He) Makes us laugh everyday, a phenomenal chef and design genius.’
It comes amid speculation that Robert is set to pop the question to Rorie Buckeye soon
According to a report by New Idea in June, Robert is already planning to ask Rorie for her hand in marriage.
The magazine quoted a source as saying Terry believes it’s too soon for the young couple – who are barely out of their teenage years.
“Terri feels like Robert is moving too fast,” a source told the publication.
The new idea quoted a source as saying that Terri believed it was too soon for the young couple – who are barely out of their teenage years
“Rory is a darling and it’s easy to see why he’s absolutely delighted, but Terry knows the stakes are high,” they added.
Robert and Rory have a lot in common; both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member.
Heath Ledger, Rory’s uncle, was at the height of his Hollywood career when he was found dead in January 2008 after accidentally overdosing on prescription drugs.
Robert’s father Steve Irwin, known to the world as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, died at the age of 44 on September 4, 2006, after being stabbed in the chest by a stingray.
“Rory is a darling and it’s easy to see why he’s absolutely delighted, but Terry knows the stakes are high,” said the source