This evening, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the BAFTA Awards at the Royal Albert Hall; Prince William is President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
The royal couple was greeted upon arrival by Amanda Berry, BAFTA Chief Executive.
The Duchess, who is thought to be around seven months pregnant, was glowing as she arrived with her husband on the red carpet. The royal guests are always the last to arrive and make their way up the carpet when most people are already seated inside the Hall.
The Academy is an independent charity which supports the development of creative talent in the UK and highlights the very best of television, film and games in its annual awards ceremony; William has been President of BAFTA since 2010. During his time in this role, Prince William has regularly attended the awards – sometimes accompanied by his wife – and has even presented awards in the past.
This year’s ceremony is being hosted by Joanna Lumley, after long-standing host Stephen Fry stepped down after 12 years.
This year’s ceremony will be marked by many of the female attendees wearing black in support of the ‘Time’s Up’ movement, relating to sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood. Before tonight’s red carpet, there had been much debate as to whether the Duchess would wear black as well. This, however, was a tricky situation for Catherine, given that the Royal Family are supposed to be apolitical and as such, should not make any political statements.
Additionally, it is royal tradition that black clothing is reserved for mourning wear, although this dress code has been relaxed in recent decades, most notably due to the influence of Diana, Princess of Wales. Catherine instead chose to wear a dark green dress by Jenny Packham, although the dress had a black ribbon tied around the waist and she did carry a black bag; more info on her outfit can be found over at Replicate Royalty.
The Duke and Duchess of Cam bridge arriving at the British Academy Film Awards BAFTAs in London. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
The Duke’s speech did however make reference to those who were ‘brave’ in standing up to ‘bullying, harassment and abuse despite the risk to their professional careers and reputations’ in his programme foreword.
He also presented an award: Prince William took to the stage to present the BAFTA Fellowship to Sir Ridley Scott, famed director of ‘Alien’.
The Duke Of Cambridge said the director was ‘a true cinema great’ and added his films ‘are among my own personal favourites’.
Prince William does appear to make reference to the Hollywood sex abuse scandal here – in a foreword to the BAFTA programme. Pays tribute to the “brave people” who “spoke up about bullying, harassment and abuse”. Didn’t use the word “women” but can surely only mean #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/tkI5KAGW5Q
— Jack Royston (@Jack_Royston) February 18, 2018
‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ won Best British Film, while Gary Oldman took the BAFTA for lead actor in his recent portrayal of Churchill and Best Actress went to Frances McDormand, for her role in ‘Three Billboards’. Daniel Kaluuya, star of hit horror film ‘Get Out’, was named Rising Star, while Sam Rockwell took home the Best Supporting Actor award. Best Animated Film was given to Pixar fantasy ‘Coco’, Best Special Visual Effects went to ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her role in ice skating drama ‘I, Tonya’.
What are your thoughts? Should the Duchess have worn all-black in support of the ‘Time’s Up’ movement, or was she right to stick to royal protocol?
