Prince William surprised audiences at the BAFTAs tonight as he congratulated an award winner for her “remarkable” work with young children.
Prince William made a surprise appearance at the BAFTA award ceremony (Image: Getty)
Prince William surprised audiences watching the BAFTAs on Sunday evening as he made a speech congratulating an award-winning broadcaster for her “remarkable” work with young children.
The Prince surprised Baroness Floella Benjamin before she received the BAFTA Fellowship at the BAFTA TV awards in central London.
Praising the presenter, Prince William commended her “ground-breaking work with children and young people” as well as her “longstanding commitment” to television broadcasting.
Sharing heartfelt emotion, Prince William said: “Baroness Floella Benjamin you remind us of the power of empathy, compassion, and action to effect positive change and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. I’m thrilled that you are receiving the BAFTA Fellowship this evening, and I send my heartfelt congratulations.”
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Prince William described Baroness Benjamin’s work as “remarkable” (Image: Getty)
Prince William also stated Baroness Benjamin was a huge supporter of charitable organisations. The Prince explained in his pre-recorded speech: “Beyond the screen arts, Baroness Benjamin has steadfastly advocated for children’s education and welfare, supported a great number of charitable organisations, tirelessly campaigned for social justice – and as a member of the Windrush Generation – she has given voice to those who faced discrimination upon arrival in the UK.”
William called the award-winner not only an actress, author and singer, but “a beacon of representation and a voice for change”.
Speaking to news agency PA about her award, Baroness Benjamin said: “I’ve just been floating ever since, I just can’t believe this wonderful accolade is happening to me.”
Benjamin, who is one of six siblings, also said she wished her parents were here to see the “fruits of their labour”.
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Baroness Benjamin has a career spanning more than 5 decades (Image: Getty)
Baroness Benjamin was born in Trinidad before emigrating to the UK as a 10-year-old, and she has several stage musical credits to her name, including Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Black Mikado.
She is an author and charity campaigner, and in 2010 was introduced to the House of Lords and given the full title of Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham in the County of Kent after being nominated by the Liberal Democrats.
She collected her damehood for her services to charity at Buckingham Palace in 2020.
The broadcaster has also chaired the Windrush commemoration committee and has advocated for tax relief of children’s TV in the House of Lords.
In his speech, Prince William noted: “We are delighted to recognise Baroness Floella Benjamin’s remarkable achievements as she receives this year’s Fellowship for her ground-breaking work with children and young people; her longstanding commitment to television broadcasting; and for her work as an unwavering champion of inclusion.”
