The BAFTA Awards, one of the biggest nights in British cinema, took place on February 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. However, one notable absence left fans and attendees surprised—Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, did not attend the event.
Prince William, who has served as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) since 2010, has traditionally been a key presence at the annual awards ceremony. This year, however, the royal couple chose to prioritize their family over the red carpet event.
Here’s why William and Kate skipped the BAFTAs and how they still showed their support for British cinema.
Family Comes First: A Private Holiday in Mustique
According to reports, Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to spend time with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—during the school half-term break. The couple traveled to the Caribbean island of Mustique, a private getaway that has long been a favorite destination for the royal family.
The timing of the trip suggests a deliberate choice to focus on family, as the BAFTAs fell in the middle of their planned vacation. Given their intense public schedules and responsibilities, the Prince and Princess of Wales have emphasized the importance of balancing royal duties with family life.
Prince William’s Ongoing Support for BAFTA
Although he missed the awards ceremony, Prince William still found a way to show his support for BAFTA and its initiatives. Ahead of the event, he recorded a video message that was played during the ceremony, highlighting his continued involvement in the British film industry.
Additionally, just days before the awards, Prince William visited the London Screen Academy, an institution dedicated to training young people in film and television production. During his visit, he met with students and reinforced his commitment to nurturing new talent in the UK film industry.
A History of Royal Attendance at the BAFTAs
While Prince William and Kate Middleton have attended the BAFTAs multiple times in the past, their attendance has not been consistent in recent years.
- 2021 – Prince William pulled out of the event following the death of his grandfather, Prince Philip.
- 2022 – The couple missed the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.
- 2023 – Both Prince William and Kate Middleton attended, making a glamorous appearance.
- 2024 – Prince William attended alone while Kate was recovering from abdominal surgery related to her cancer treatment.
Given Kate Middleton’s recent health concerns and the couple’s dedication to their children, their decision to skip the 2025 BAFTAs aligns with their focus on family and personal well-being.
BAFTAs 2025: Highlights from the Night
Despite their absence, the 2025 BAFTAs were a night to remember, with major wins and surprises:
- Best Film: Conclave, directed by Edward Berger
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
- Best Director: Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
The event was hosted by actor David Tennant, who added humor and charm to the evening.
Public and Media Reactions to Their Absence
The royal couple’s decision to miss the BAFTAs sparked mixed reactions:
- Supporters praised their commitment to family, emphasizing that their roles as parents should take precedence over social events.
- Critics questioned Prince William’s absence, given his prestigious position as BAFTA president. Some argued that he could have attended the event and returned to his family trip afterward.
However, many royal experts believe this decision reflects William and Kate’s modern approach to balancing royal duties with their personal lives.
Will Prince William and Kate Attend Future BAFTAs?
While it remains uncertain whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will return to the BAFTAs next year, their previous attendance patterns suggest that they will continue to support British cinema—whether in person or through alternative engagements.
Given Kate’s gradual return to public life after her 2024 cancer treatment, it is possible that she and William will resume attending major public events later in the year.
For now, their focus remains on family, a decision that resonates with many parents who juggle work and personal responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s absence from the 2025 BAFTAs was not a sign of disengagement but rather a reflection of their family-first values. While they continue to support British cinema in various ways, their decision to spend time with their children during school break highlights their commitment to a balanced royal life.
As the Royal Family evolves, so do the expectations surrounding their public appearances. While some may have been disappointed by their absence, their ongoing support for BAFTA and film industry initiatives remains evident.
For now, royal watchers can look forward to seeing the Prince and Princess of Wales at future high-profile events—perhaps including next year’s BAFTAs.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin