Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, will not attend the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) this year at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Kensington Palace confirmed on Tuesday. Despite their absence, Prince William will make a pre-recorded appearance during the ceremony.
William, who has served as BAFTA president since 2010, continues to support the organization even as the royal couple reduces their public engagements. His upcoming visit to the London Screen Academy on Wednesday underscores his ongoing commitment to the film industry.
The royal couple’s absence follows a pattern of recent intermittent appearances at the prestigious event. Their last joint attendance was in 2023, with previous years marked by scheduling conflicts and personal circumstances, including Prince William’s absence in 2021 following his grandfather Prince Philip’s death.
This year’s BAFTA ceremony, hosted by David Tennant for the second consecutive year, promises high-profile competition. “Conclave,” starring Ralph Fiennes, leads the nominations with 12 nods, closely followed by “Emilia Pérez” with 11 nominations. Other top contenders include “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” and “A Complete Unknown.”
William’s decision to participate virtually comes shortly after the public revelation of Catherine’s cancer treatment. The pre-recorded message demonstrates the Prince’s ability to balance royal responsibilities with family priorities during a challenging time.
The BAFTAs represent a significant night for the British film industry, celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema while highlighting the continued cultural importance of film in the United Kingdom.
