Prince William stopped by the BAFTA Film Awards after all after previously revealing that both he and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, would be missing the ceremony

Prince William made a U-turn appearance at the BAFTA Film Awards.

It comes after reports that the heir would be missing the ceremony alongside Princess Kate this year. Prince William, who is the president of BAFTA and has attended the film awards for several years running, was confirmed by Kensington Palace to be missing this year’s ceremony as he’s currently on a family getaway for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ half term breaks.

However, the royal still managed to make an appearance in a pre-recorded video ahead of the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award. “As president of BAFTA, I’m delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rising Star Award which is presented in honour of casting director Mary Selway,” he said in a pre-recorded clip.

“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 it’s helped inspire the next generation of acting talent to pursue their dreams. 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.

BAFTA president Prince William made a surprise appearance during the 2025 awards

“Judging by the international success of the previous nominees and winners of this award, I am certain that we’ll be seeing much more of their work over the next 20 years and beyond.” Prince William then welcomed previous winners James McAvoy and Letitia Wright to the stage before wishing the audience a wonderful night.

The pair then announced Industry star David Jonsson as the 2025 winner, with the 31-year-old beating the likes of Marisa Abela, Jharrel Jerome, Mikey Madison and Nabhaan Rizwan in the category. Delivering his speech, the Rye Lane actor said: “I’ve got to be honest, this isn’t why I do it? Do you know what I mean? I’m just an east London boy.”

He added: “I didn’t really see a space for me in this industry. But this award is about people and as long as we can keep telling stories about people I think there’s got to be a space for me.” Earlier in the night, BAFTA viewers took to social media to complain about the ceremony after learning that the results of the pre-recorded awards were already public.

One wrote on X: “Accidentally opened this app so now I basically got spoiled for the baftas.” “I’m getting off twitter bc the baftas is getting spoiled hahahah sorry that sounds so ridiculous,” another wrote.