The Princess of Wales made a glitzy return to the BAFTAs as she walked the star-studded red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall in London with her husband, the Prince of Wales.
Kate has not attended the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony, dubbed the British version of the Oscars, for three years, due to her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan and recovery.
The last time she attended in 2023, Kate wore her much-talked-about two-tone look comprising her white Alexander McQueen whimsical gown, which she'd actually worn to the ceremony in 2019, paired with long black opera gloves. And for the 79th British Academy Film Awards, attended by the likes of A-Lister royalty and BAFTA nominees Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Timothée Chalamet, Kate made sure to pull out all the stops.
William and Kate's attendance comes as the royal family have been making headlines this week following the arrest of William's uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for misconduct in public office.
See the best photos from the evening...
© WireImageWilliam and Kate's much-anticipated arrival
The red carpet went into lockdown shortly before 4:30pm as William and Kate made their grand entrance. Showing it was business as usual, the Prince and Princess were all smiles as they made their way into the high-profile event.
© WireImageSweet look for William
William and Kate arrived at the awards ceremony together, half an hour before the event began.
© WireImageThe Princess' recycled Gucci gown
Kate looked fabulously regal in a blush pink and white Gucci gown, which she last wore in public in 2019 at the V&A Museum for a gala dinner.
William matched his wife in a maroon jacket.
© BAFTA via Getty ImagesKate's stunning repeat look
Kate's dress featured a soft mauve and pink colour palette with a cinched waistline, shoulder-grazing V-neck bodice, and the floatiest skirt. The sheer number was accessorised to perfection with a burgundy velvet clutch bag to match the waistline of her dress and killer heels.
© WireImageKate's outfit
And another look at the coordinated couple as they walked the red carpet.
© Getty ImagesBody language expert reveals 'tension'
Despite their united appearance, body language expert Judi James told HELLO! of the visible tenion from the royals.
"William and Kate delivered their usual, impeccable red carpet A-list glamour here, but there are a handful of tells that might reflect the undeniable tensions of the past week," she said.
"William's lips are pulled inward and his brows pulled into a small frown, suggesting some anxiety... Kate's smiles are as impeccable as usual, although there is a very slightly edge-to-edge placing of the teeth, which again could signal inner tension."
© BAFTA via Getty ImagesMeeting A-Listers
Before sitting down for the ceremony, the royals mingled with A-Listers including Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.
© Getty ImagesPrince William 'not in a calm state'
Chatting at the event, the Prince said he had not yet watched the BAFTA Best Picture nominee Hamnet because he "needed to be in a calm mood".
When asked if he had seen it, William explained: "I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it."
Hamnet tells the story of the tragic death in childhood of Shakespeare's son Hamnet and the grief of his parents.
"I thought it was a bad idea, actually," Kate joked of watching the film before the ceremony. "Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic."
© BAFTA via Getty ImagesInside the awards
HELLO! attended the BAFTAs and cheers were heard for Prince William as he was introduced as the charity's President.
There had been no formal announcement when William and Kate took their seats. Their arrival was somewhat understated compared to previous years, when a hush falls across the auditorium and they make their way to the front row.
This year, many guests only realised they were in the room as they moved through the aisle, stopping briefly to greet fellow attendees. A noticeable buzz followed as heads turned to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
© Getty Images for BAFTACheers for William
Before the broadcast began, BAFTA Chair Sara Putt referenced William from the stage, prompting cameras to pan towards the pair.
A warm round of applause broke out, with some cheers audible across the hall.
William appeared slightly flushed as Kate turned towards him with a smile.
© Getty Images for BAFTAWilliam presents an award
During the ceremony, William, as President of BAFTA, presented the BAFTA Fellowship Award, the Academy's highest honour, to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment, who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to film.
A total of 46 feature films were nominated this year and the winners were announced in a ceremony hosted by Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming. The EE BAFTA Film Awards were broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm.
BAFTA is an independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games, and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. William became President of BAFTA in 2010 and in 2021, the Prince William BAFTA Bursary was launched to help young people from underrepresented groups progress their career in film, games, and television through grants.
