The 2025 EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place on Sunday night, 

and while royal fans had been expecting to see Prince William and Princess Kate in attendance, the couple was noticeably absent. 

However, despite missing the star-studded event in person, the Prince of Wales still made a surprise appearance via a pre-recorded video message.

A Virtual Appearance at the BAFTAs

Prince William, 42, who has served as the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) since 2010, 

addressed the audience in a special video recorded earlier in the week during his visit to the London Screen Academy.

During his message, the royal introduced two esteemed past winners of the EE Rising Star Award, James McAvoy and Letitia Wright, who later presented the coveted honor to this year’s recipient. The Rising Star Award, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, is voted for by the British public and recognizes young actors who have demonstrated remarkable talent and promise.

Prince William’s Message to the BAFTA Audience

In his speech, Prince William expressed his admiration for the talented nominees, stating:

“Good evening everyone. As President of BAFTA, I’m delighted to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Rising Star Award, which is presented in honour of Mary Selway. What a 20 years and what a line-up of exceptional talent! Since 2006, this award has not only championed the industry’s rising stars but has helped to inspire the next generation of acting talent to pursue their dreams.”

The Prince went on to acknowledge the achievements of the nominees, saying:

“The five incredibly talented people nominated tonight demonstrate a remarkable range of performances and have each captured the imagination of audiences over the last year. Judging by the international success of the previous nominees and winners of this award, I am certain we will be seeing much more of their work over the next twenty years and beyond.”

Closing his speech, William welcomed James McAvoy and Letitia Wright to the stage, adding:

“To announce this year’s nominees, please welcome two previous winners of the EE Rising Star Award, both of whom are soon to make their directorial debuts—James McAvoy and Letitia Wright. Have a wonderful night.”

Why Did Prince William and Princess Kate Skip the BAFTAs?

Royal fans were quick to notice the absence of both Prince William and Princess Kate at this year’s BAFTAs. The Prince of Wales is typically a key figure at the prestigious event, often walking the red carpet alongside his wife.

While Kensington Palace did not release an official reason for their absence, Prince William has missed the BAFTAs on previous occasions. In 2021, he withdrew from the event following the passing of his grandfather, Prince Philip. The following year, scheduling conflicts prevented his attendance. In 2024, William attended the ceremony alone as Princess Kate was undergoing treatment for cancer.

This year, it appears that the royal couple’s absence may be due to personal commitments or ongoing responsibilities within the royal family.

A Continued Commitment to the Arts

Despite not being present at the BAFTAs in person, Prince William’s video message reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the film and television industry. His role as BAFTA president has allowed him to shine a spotlight on emerging talent and encourage the next generation of creatives.

The 2025 BAFTAs celebrated another year of cinematic excellence, and while the Prince and Princess of Wales may not have been on the red carpet, their presence was still felt through William’s surprise message.

As the awards season continues, fans will be eager to see if the royal couple makes an appearance at future industry events. For now, William’s words served as a reminder of his ongoing dedication to the arts and his appreciation for the rising stars shaping the future of film and television.
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