Prince William confirmed earlier this week that he and his wife, Princess Kate, would not attend this year’s BAFTAs, scheduled for Sunday. However, the Prince of Wales was back in the spotlight on Wednesday as he visited the London Screen Academy to support young filmmakers.
The father of three even stepped behind the camera, riding a tracking dolly to help students capture shots at the academy in Highbury, London. When asked about joining a future production, William joked, “I might need a bit of practice!”
During his visit, William met with BAFTA and LSA board representatives to discuss industry opportunities for young people. He remarked that many people are unaware of the diverse roles in the film industry, adding, “The film star essence… is so distant from reality.”
He also toured one of the academy’s hair and make-up studios, where he learned how to apply prosthetics to create a realistic scar effect on his hand.
Since succeeding actor and director Sir Richard Attenborough in 2010, William has served as BAFTA president. While he has attended several BAFTA ceremonies over the years, his absence this year isn’t entirely surprising, as he has never attended the event in back-to-back years.
William skipped the 2021 ceremony due to the passing of his grandfather, Prince Philip, and missed the 2022 event due to “diary constraints.” Last year, he attended solo while Princess Kate stayed home to recover from planned abdominal surgery.
While the reason for the couple’s absence this year has not been confirmed, the ceremony coincides with the start of the half-term break. The Wales family often uses this time to enjoy private family moments, either at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, or on family trips.
The 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Doctor Who star David Tennant, will take place on Sunday, February 16, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
