An enchanting evening unfolded for Prince William and Kate Middleton as they graced the BAFTAs red carpet with their presence. Their appearance turned heads at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where the best in British film and television were being celebrated on February 22. Clad in a stunning princess-style Gucci gown, Kate caught every eye, while William looked equally dashing in a deep burgundy tuxedo.
The royal couple paused for photographers and greeted faces from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Southbank Centre before stepping inside for the esteemed event.
The Quiet Exchange
As they strolled along the red carpet, a small exchange was shared. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman caught an interesting moment, reporting to The Mirror that Kate exclaimed, “Look at the people!” Her wave was full of joy as she cheerfully greeted the crowd with a warm, “Hey!” William, always the caring partner, seemed to remind her quietly to “watch your step” as they continued their walk into the gala.
Chatting About Movies — Especially Hamnet
As the night progressed, the couple found themselves chatting about one of the big winners, Hamnet, which claimed the Outstanding British Film award. Jessie Buckley, a key performer, was celebrated as Leading Actress for her role as Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.
William admitted he hadn’t yet watched Hamnet, explaining, “I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment. I will save it.” Kate, on the other hand, had seen it the previous Saturday, describing her movie experience as “really very, very powerful.” She admired the film’s “fantastic” and emotionally “raw” musical score, touching upon the deep theme of intergenerational grief. In conversation with BAFTA’s Emily Stillman and Emma Baehr, Kate, chuckling, remarked that watching it perhaps wasn’t the best choice since it left her with “very puffy eyes.”
A Family of Film Lovers
Delving into a bit of family life, Kate shared that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are growing more curious about movies and filmmaking.
“They love the idea of being behind the scenes and finding out how it all happens,” she said, highlighting that films often inspire meaningful conversations at home. Much to her delight, they have a list of films they still wish to watch together.
Presenting the BAFTA Fellowship
As the ceremony neared its conclusion, William took the spotlight to present the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship award to Dame Donna Langley, chair of entertainment at NBCUniversal. He expressed admiration for her “transformative leadership” and her dedication to creative collaboration, praising her role in bringing some of the most memorable films of the century to viewers and supporting works that have significantly shaped contemporary culture.
A Closer Look at the BAFTA 2026 Winners
Among the acclaimed recipients of the evening:
Best Film: One Battle After Another
Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear
Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
