Prince William and Catherine Princess of Wales Make a Stylish Appearance at BAFTAs Amid Royal Family Drama

Prince William and Catherine Princess of Wales attended the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday. The couple walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall but did not stop to talk to the press. William wore a classic black tuxedo, while Catherine wore a floor-length pink gown.

William is the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, a position he has held since 2010. This year, it was unclear if he would attend because of recent issues within the royal family. Last year, he attended alone while Catherine recovered from abdominal surgery, later revealed to be cancer-related. She had last appeared at the BAFTAs in 2023.

Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales arriving at the #BAFTA Film Awards pic.twitter.com/IBrGjqVKXK

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) February 22, 2026

Their attendance comes after the arrest of William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. If convicted, he could face a life sentence. Despite this, senior royals continued public duties: King Charles III appeared at London Fashion Week, and Princess Anne visited a prison in Leeds, showing the family’s commitment to ongoing responsibilities.

There was some concern over whether the awards ceremony might include jokes or references to the scandal. In 2020, host Rebel Wilson had made a joke about Prince Harry and Andrew while William and Catherine sat in the front row. This year, Alan Cumming hosted the ceremony. Cumming, who returned his royal honor in 2023, is not expected to mention the scandal during the event.

The BAFTAs featured many stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson, and Chloe Zhao. Despite the drama surrounding the royal family, William and Catherine’s appearance signaled that official duties at public events continue as planned.

William and Catherine handled the night with poise and focus. They kept their presence professional and elegant despite the ongoing challenges within the family. What do you think about their red carpet appearance and the royal family’s handling of recent controversies? Share your thoughts in the comments.