Prince William left movie fans in disbelief as he arrived at the BAFTAs in London this evening after admitting he still hasn’t seen Box Office sensation Barbie.
The Prince of Wales, 42, arrived solo for the awards ceremony this evening, where he apologized for the Princess of Wales’ absence as she continues to recover at their home following her abdominal surgery.
The heir, who has been president of the EE British Academy Film Awards since 2010, cheerfully posed for photos with the crowd as he walked the red carpet.
The Prince, who cut a sharp figure in his signature navy blue velvet jacket and large bow tie, greeted the awards organizers and said: ‘I’m sorry Catherine isn’t here, she really loves the BAFTAs.’
William, who has been focusing on his family following his wife’s medical procedure and his father King Charles’ shock cancer diagnosis, said he had not seen as many of the nominated films as usual, admitting he had “other things to think about.” my head’ had.
The Prince opted for a navy blue velvet tuxedo jacket, bow tie and patent black brogues for the most glamorous evening on the British film calendar
The prince apologized for his wife’s absence while she was recovering from abdominal surgery. Pictured: Prince William and Kate Middleton pictured at the 2023 BAFTA Awards
Prince William admitted he hasn’t seen Box Office sensation Barbie yet, explaining he ‘hopes to catch up soon’
The father of three added that he “hopes to catch up” and will watch the films with his recovering wife.
Film buffs queuing outside the Royal Festival Hall were delighted that the Prince had seen Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, but were shocked to discover he had yet to see Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie.
“I haven’t seen Barbie yet,” the prince admitted, as excited fans told him: “You have to see it.”
Once inside, the prince took a seat next to Hollywood royalty Cate Blanchett as they prepared for this year’s ceremony hosted by David Tennant.
A host of A-listers descended on London’s South Bank this evening, including Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Emily Blunt and Florence Pugh, among them making a dazzling appearance.
Tonight’s ceremony marks the first high-profile royal engagement Prince William has undertaken since his wife’s major surgery and his father’s diagnosis.
Earlier this month he gave a speech at a charity event in London to raise money for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s new helicopter fleet earlier this month.
It was thought he would skip the ceremony, which usually sees him appear arm-in-arm with Kate, but the prince was keen to continue with his duties and represent the royal family at the prestigious event.
The 42-year-old royal walks the carpet alone at the Royal Festival Hall ahead of tonight’s ceremony
Cate Blanchett places her arm on the Prince of Wales’s shoulder as the couple greets each other
Kate underwent surgery at the London clinic on January 16 and has since returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be with her three children.
Tonight’s ceremony marks the 77th annual awards, with Nolan’s atomic bomb biopic expected to be a big winner after receiving 13 nominations.
Prince William has been a patron for 14 years and his wife first attended the event with her husband in 2017.
At last year’s event, Kate Middleton opted for a one-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress for the occasion, which she first wore at the 2019 event.
For his outfit, William kept it classic and simple in a double-breasted black velvet tuxedo jacket.