Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, stepped into the spotlight at the BAFTA Awards on February 22, 2026, following a turbulent week for the royal family. Just three days prior, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York, was arrested at Sandringham on his 66th birthday, casting a shadow over the evening’s festivities.
The couple’s appearance at London’s Royal Festival Hall was highly anticipated, marking their first joint BAFTA attendance in three years. William, who has held the position of BAFTA President since 2010, wore a striking burgundy velvet dinner jacket, while Kate dazzled in a floor-length pink gown that contrasted beautifully with the wintry evening. The organizers even paused the red carpet proceedings to accommodate their arrival, highlighting the significance of the event.
As they navigated the red carpet, the tension from the previous week lingered. An audience member posed a direct question: “Is the monarchy in peril?” Despite the gravity of the inquiry, William and Kate chose not to engage, continuing their walk without addressing the comment. This decision underscored the delicate balance the royal couple must maintain in the face of ongoing scrutiny.
Their presence at the BAFTAs was not merely a ceremonial appearance; it held personal significance as well. The pair had spent the previous week with their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, who were enjoying their school break. Their last joint attendance at the BAFTAs was in 2023, and William had previously attended the event solo in 2024 while Kate was undergoing cancer treatment.
During this year’s ceremony, William was scheduled to present the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment, in recognition of her significant contributions to the film industry. The event also featured a performance by K-Pop sensation Demon Hunters and a tribute by British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware during the In Memoriam segment.
Overall, the BAFTAs served as a platform for both celebration and reflection. While the royal couple’s fashion choices and public engagement were on display, the underlying tension related to the monarchy’s challenges remained palpable. As the event unfolded, it became clear that the impact of recent events would continue to resonate within and beyond the royal family.
