Prince William will not be at the BAFTAs in a big blow to organisers of the prestigious film awards.
The Duke of Cambridge is president of the academy but has left bosses "disappointed" after turning down an invite to the show at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday.
Organisers will instead show a pre-recorded message from him.
A source said: "Prince William is always a huge draw, not least as it's the first year back in person after the pandemic."
They added: "But BAFTA were told that diary constraints precluded him from attending in person this year. It's such a shame and everyone is very disappointed."
Last year, Prince William was set to deliver a video speech at the virtual ceremony, celebrating the resilience of the film industry during the pandemic.
He however pulled out following the death of his grandfather Prince Philip. The TV source added: "That was, of course, totally understandable. But everyone expected him to attend this year and the fact he is not, is most unfortunate."
There has been tension between the Palace and the BBC over recent coverage of the Royal Family.
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Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace condemned journalist Amol Rajan’s The Princes and the Press series, which included claims courtiers leaked negative stories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
But sources close to the Duke played down the decision not to attend as being linked to the row.
A BAFTA spokesman said: "We're delighted that BAFTA president The Duke of Cambridge will be participating in the EE BAFTA Film Awards via a pre-recorded video message."
The spokesperson confirmed that he won't physically attend the ceremony, commenting: "Due to diary constraints he is not able to attend in person this year."
The 75th BAFTAs hosted by actress Rebel Wilson will be broadcast on BBC1.
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