Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend BAFTAs Amid Royal Family Concerns

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, made a notable appearance at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on February 22nd, marking their first joint outing at the ceremony in three years. The event took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall, occurring just days after the arrest of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York .

A Royal Appearance

Prince William, dressed in a burgundy velvet jacket and Princess Catherine, in a floor-length pink Gucci gown, walked the red carpet but did not stop to speak with the press . Inside the Royal Festival Hall, the couple engaged with senior organizers of the event, including the CEO of the Southbank Centre.

Film Discussion and Preferences

During conversations with event organizers, Prince William shared his thoughts on some of the nominated films. He praised “F1,” specifically highlighting its music, and also expressed his enjoyment of “One Battle After Another” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio . He noted, however, that he had not yet seen “Hamnet,” citing he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to view it.

Return to the BAFTAs

This year’s attendance marks the couple’s return to the BAFTAs after a hiatus. They last appeared together at the ceremony in 2023. In 2024, Prince William attended solo, expressing his wish for Princess Catherine to join him as she underwent cancer treatment .

Broader Royal Family Context

The appearance of the Prince and Princess of Wales at the BAFTAs comes amidst ongoing public engagements by other members of the royal family following the arrest of Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office . King Charles held audiences and attended London Fashion Week, even as Queen Camilla attended a concert, and Princess Anne carried out a scheduled visit to a men’s prison.