Prince William arrived at the glitzy BAFTAs alone as Princess Kate continues to recover from abdominal surgery. The royal looked sharp as he entered the red carpet in a blue velvet tuxedo.
The Prince of Wales has been president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, and he regularly attends the annual awards.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards are an annual celebration of the extraordinary skills, talent, and craft of the film industry.
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Prince of Wales, 41, will “attend the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night”.
The Palace stated: “The Prince, President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will watch the Awards ceremony before meeting category winners and EE Rising Star Award nominees.”
Prince Philip was the first president of the academy. The charity hosts several awards ceremonies and a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – including workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia.
At the esteemed film event of 2023, William was joined by the Princess of Wales, where they met award-winners Cate Blanchett, Austin Butler and Emma Mackey. However, this year, the Princess of Wales will be giving the event a miss.
The Princess of Wales underwent surgery on January 16 at the London Clinic and has since gone back home to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be with the three children.
Following the recent royal health updates, which have encompassed his father, the King’s undisclosed cancer diagnosis and separate prostate treatment, William has participated in only a handful of events.
Among these was a speech he delivered at a charity event in London, aimed at raising funds for the new fleet of helicopters for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, earlier this month.
Tonight’s ceremony will be presented by actor David Tennant in his first TV appearance since returning for a series of Doctor Who specials in 2023.
“Poor Things” and “Oppenheimer” are the leading contenders for the British Academy Film Awards, which will be handed out Sunday in front of an audience of filmmakers, movie stars and the heir to the British throne.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ gothic fantasia is up for 11 trophies, while Christopher Nolan’s atom-bomb epic has 13 nominations for the British prizes.
The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm.
