Prince William and Kate Middleton, the beloved royal couple, have decided to skip the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards in 2025. As the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, William will not be attending the awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 16. Instead, he will make a virtual appearance through a video package and will take a trip to the London Screen Academy on Wednesday.
A royal editor for the Times UK, Kate Mansey, shed light on why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be missing the event. According to her tweet, the BAFTA Awards coincide with their children’s school break, falling on the first weekend of the half-term holidays. This family-oriented decision showcases the couple’s commitment to prioritizing their children’s needs and family time over glamorous red carpet events.
Mansey also mentioned that Prince William, at the age of 42, will be dedicating his time to promoting the next generation of film talent instead of gracing the BAFTA Awards with his presence. This shift in focus highlights William’s desire to support emerging talent in the film industry, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young filmmakers and creatives.
The royal couple, who are parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have been regular attendees at the BAFTA Awards in the past. However, last year, William attended the ceremony alone while Kate was recovering from abdominal surgery. It was later revealed that Kate was battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Fortunately, she recently announced that she is in remission, marking a positive turn in her health journey.
During the previous BAFTA Awards, Prince William walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, mingling with Hollywood stars such as Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Cate Blanchett, and Emma Stone. Kate Middleton had accompanied William to the 2023 BAFTAs, stunning in a white one-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress, while William looked dashing in a black tuxedo with a velvet jacket.
The couple’s absence from the 2021 and 2022 BAFTA Awards was due to unforeseen circumstances. In 2021, they mourned the death of Prince Philip, William’s grandfather, just a day before the scheduled ceremony, leading to their withdrawal from the event. The following year, diary constraints prevented them from attending, as confirmed by a representative.
As the 2025 BAFTA Awards approach, excitement is building around the nominated films. The highly-anticipated movie “Conclave” leads the pack with an impressive 12 nominations. Other notable films such as “Emilia Pérez,” “The Brutalist,” “Anora,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” and “A Complete Unknown” are also vying for multiple awards, promising a night of celebration and recognition for the talented individuals behind these cinematic masterpieces.
In conclusion, while Prince William and Kate Middleton may not grace the BAFTA Awards this year, their presence and support for the film industry will undoubtedly be felt. Their decision to prioritize family time and champion emerging talent showcases their commitment to both their royal duties and personal values. As the BAFTA Awards unfold, all eyes will be on the nominees, eagerly awaiting the crowning of this year’s cinematic gems.
