Prince William Suits Up in Blue Velvet for BAFTA Awards, Mingles With David Beckham and Cate Blanchett
The Prince of Wales attended the 2024 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday in London. William, who has served as president of the academy since 2010, sported a blue velvet blazer with suit trousers, patent leather Oxfords and a bow tie.
At the ceremony, William rubbed elbows with seatmate Cate Blanchett and soccer star David Beckham. Blanchett wore a burgundy compact crepe jersey gown by Louis Vuitton, while Beckham opted for a black tuxedo. The athlete also presented the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer to A24’s “Earth Mama.”
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The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was noticeably absent from the BAFTAs this year. The royal was hospitalized last month and underwent abdominal surgery, leaving her unable to attend public engagements. Meanwhile, William’s father and Britain’s reigning monarch, King Charles III, was recently diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Due to his father’s ailing health, William is expected to pick up some of His Majesty’s public-facing duties. Two weeks ago, the Prince of Wales attended London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala alongside actor Tom Cruise.
After paying King Charles a visit in January, William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, made a surprise appearance at the NFL Honors earlier this month. The Duke of Sussex presented the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award to Pittsburgh Steelers player Cameron Heyward.
“All you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable,” the prince said in a brief speech. “You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back. This final award — the highest honor — is all about serving your community. And there’s one special man we’d like to pay tribute to now. A player who goes above and beyond and whose extraordinary commitment to helping others is a reflection of his own story.”
The British Academy Film Awards, also known as the BAFTAs, honor the year’s best productions and performances in the movie industry, both foreign and national. The 77th annual ceremony, held at Royal Festival Hall in London on Feb. 18, is hosted by “Doctor Who” star David Tennant.
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