Prince William and Princess Kate giggled as they exchanged a joke in an intimate photo taken while travelling in a lift backstage at the BAFTA Film Awards. The Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed a royal date night at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday evening, where King Charles' son gave a speech on stage in front of the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone.
In a series of behind-the-scenes photos shared by Kensington Palace to mark the occasion, the couple can be seen laughing in a lift as they arrived at the star-studded ceremony. The Prince, 43, who looked dapper in a burgundy velvet jacket and black tie, presented the BAFTA fellowship award to NBCUniversal's chair of entertainment, Dame Donna Langley.
Meanwhile, the Princess, 44, wowed in a flowing off-shoulder multicoloured pink Gucci gown - which she had previously worn in 2019 at a V&A gala dinner - that was shown to best effect on the red carpet when the couple arrived at the event. She accessorised her dress with voluminous waves, silver drop-down earrings and an elegant clutch bag.
Ahead of the ceremony, the father of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - who has been president of BAFTA since 2010 - was asked about the film Hamnet. He admitted he hadn't seen it, according to the BBC, explaining: "I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it."
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceHowever, the Princess herself revealed that she had seen the winner of the Outstanding British Film award, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, and it had left her in a "flood of tears". She joked: "I thought it was a bad idea, actually. Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic."
Date night
Inside the Royal Festival Hall, there was no formal announcement when Prince William and the Princess of Wales took their seats, as witnessed by HELLO! on the night. In fact, their arrival was somewhat understated, with many guests only realising they were in the room as they moved through the aisle.
There was a noticeable buzz followed as heads turned to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Later, before the broadcast began, BAFTA Chair Sara Putt referenced William from the stage, prompting cameras to pan towards the pair and a warm round of applause to break out. He appeared slightly flushed as Kate turned towards him with a smile.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceAndrew scandal
The presence of the couple - who were also seen taking their seats on the front row and clapping along to host Alan Cumming - came just days after the arrest of the Prince's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. They were all smiles at the ceremony, which was the first they had attended since 2023.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceHowever, an expert has told HELLO! that the family strains were evident. They suggested that their lack of physical touch may be a sign of the stress the royals are experiencing - and which the Prince himself had hinted at while discussing Hamnet.
