The Prince of Wales said he had not yet watched the BAFTA Best Picture nominee Hamnet because he "needed to be in a calm mood".
As he and the Princess made their first joint appearance since the dramatic arrest last week of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, attending the EE BAFTA Film Awards, the heir to the throne revealed that Kate had watched the hugely emotional film last night and was left in "floods of tears".
But when asked if he had seen it, he 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."
The Princess shared her appreciation of the director Chloe Zhao film's "presentation of intergenerational grief". She added: "We have a long list of films that we still need to get through."
© WireImageWilliam said he had not yet seen Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, and described the vampire movie Sinners as "a bit dark". "I have seen One Battle After Another, that was very good. We were not expecting it to start the way it did."
Kate looked elegant in floor-length Gucci gown, which she previously wore to a 100 Women in Finance Gala back in 2019. William wore a dark red velvet tuxedo jacket that matched her belt and clutch bag.
Wales children's interest in films
The Princess also revealed how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are now taking a greater interest in films.
Emily Stillman, Chair of Bafta's Film Committee, told her: "Last time I saw you, you were pregnant with George and you were doing your Harry Potter spells." She was referring to the royal couple's 2013 visit, along with Prince Harry, to the Warner Brothers studios in Hertfordshire, where they toured the set of Harry Potter.
"I was saying how much the children would love to look around," replied Kate. "They love the idea of going behind the scenes and finding out how it all happens." She also praised the studios for "showcasing all the different career opportunities" there are in film.
© BAFTA via Getty ImagesThe Prince and Princess had walked the red carpet outside London's Royal Festival Hall, where they were welcomed by Sir Kenneth Olisa, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.
Inside, they chatted to an all-female line up of BAFTA executives, CEO Jane Millichip and Chair Sara Putt, Chair of the Film Committee Emily Stillman and Emma Baehr, Executive Director Awards and Content.
Speaking again about Hamnet to Southbank Centre CEO Elaine Bedell and Allison Kirkby, CEO of sponsors BT Group, Kate praised the child actors, saying, "The children did so well." She went on: "I loved the connection to nature... it's very stripped back and you see the human emotions."
Again referring to her own children, Kate added: "The children are starting to get interested in films and it's a really great way to have some of the hard conversations with them."
Inside the 2026 BAFTAs
The Prince has been President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010 and the royal couple have been a regular fixture at the prestigious awards ceremony over the years. But the Princess has not attended for the past two years while recovering from her cancer diagnosis.
© BAFTA via Getty ImagesThe Prince and Princess sat in the front row for the ceremony, which was presented by Scottish actor Alan Cumming and featured musical performances from KPop Demon Hunters and Jessie Ware, who sang during a poignant In Memoriam segment.
There was laughter at one point as Cumming introduced The Crown star Erin Doherty to the stage, saying: "There can't be many actresses who have played a terrifying gang leader, Princess Anne, and a terrified psychologist."
Ahead of the award for Costume Design, host Alan Cumming reappeared on stage in a pale embroidered suit. "Yes I have had a costume change, thank you for noticing Prince William," he said, to laughter from the future King and Queen.
The Prince was tasked with presenting the Academy's highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBC Universal Entertainment, for her outstanding contribution to film.
© Getty Images for BAFTAIn his speech, William described Dame Donna as "exceptional", saying: "Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry. She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment... Her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century's most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world."
Hailing her for championing films that have "shaped culture" and overseeing "some of our most beloved franchises," he said, "amongst all of this, Dame Donna Langley has maintained a strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship, founding initiatives to widen access to careers in the screen arts and supporting women in leadership. This work is crucial. Dame Donna has also been a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, performers and creators are seen, supported and celebrated on the world stage."
Praising the creative industries as "one of this country's greatest strengths", the Prince vowed: "I will continue to celebrate and support the talent that makes them shine globally in my role as President of BAFTA." He concluded: "Dame Donna's impact at NBCUniversal and on the film industry is significant. She is a shining light to all those starting out in the creative industries, showing that anything is possible."
He then introduced a footage of stars paying tribute to Dame Donna, including directors Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, Tom Cruise and Emma Thompson, who appeared with no make up on and joked, "I look like Boris Johnson."
William then welcomed Dame Donna on stage and presented her with the award.
