Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Jennifer Newton

Kate Middleton's firm instruction from Prince William after awkward BAFTAs arrival

The Princess of Wales will no doubt have a showstopping gown planned for her red-carpet appearance at the BAFTAs tonight.

She and Prince William are attending the glitzy awards ceremony for the first time in three years tonight - where they will walk the red carpet, watch the gong being handed out and meet the winners.

The royal couple last attended the event in person in 2020 with William, the BAFTA president, last year recording a video message in his place in which he congratulated those nominated.

But when they take their seats for the ceremony later, they'll probably be hoping for a much less awkward arrival than in 2019.

Prince William and Kate at the 2019 Bafta awards (PA)

Kate was dressed in a flowing Alexander McQueen gown and as they entered the auditorium, they walked into near silence with the audience all on their feet.

It appeared to be a long, awkward walk for the couple, who were led to the first row to take their seats.

It led Kate to be heard saying: "It's so quiet" - before William issued her a quick instruction and added: "Let's sit down quickly."

Thankfully the awkwardness didn't last long as it wasn't long until host Joanna Lumley took the stage and kicked off the show.

Kate wore a Alexander McQueen gown (PA Archive/PA Images)
William is the president of BAFTA (Jonny Birch/BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock)

During tonight's ceremony, William and Kate will see Dame Helen Mirren lead a special tribute to the late Queen.

The veteran actress, 77, has portrayed the monarch on the silver screen and the stage, winning an Oscar and BAFTA for her depiction in 2006's biographical drama The Queen.

Bafta fellow Dame Helen will lead the Queen’s commendation at the 76th annual film awards ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.

The late Queen with William and Kate (AFP via Getty Images)

The Queen had a close association with the Academy which spanned 50 years and saw her donate and support initiatives, as well as attend many events over the years.

In 1972, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh donated the profits from the documentary film Royal Family to the Society of Film and Television Arts (SFTA), which later became the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), for a new headquarters.

The renaming of the organisation occurred during the official opening of the headquarters in 1976, which was conducted by The Queen, and remains the London home of Bafta five decades on.

During her lifetime, The Queen was a patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Royal Variety Charity and the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.

In April 2013, the Queen received an honorary BAFTA award from Sir Kenneth Branagh at Windsor Castle for her "tireless support" for the industry.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.