Prince William left film fans in disbelief as he arrived at the BAFTAs in London this evening after admitting he still hadn't seen the box office sensation Barbie.
The 42-year-old Prince of Wales arrived alone at tonight's awards ceremony, where he apologized for the Princess of Wales's absence as she continues to recover at her family home following her abdominal surgery.
The heir, who has been president of the EE British Academy Film Awards since 2010, was seen happily posing for photos with members of the public as he walked the red carpet.
The Prince, who looked handsome in his signature navy velor suit jacket and Dickie bow, greeted the awards organizers by saying: “I'm sorry Catherine isn't here, she loves the BAFTAs.”
William, who is focusing on his family following his wife's medical procedure and his father King Charles' cancer diagnosis, said he hasn't seen as many of the nominated films as usual and admitted he has “other things on his mind.”
For the most glamorous evening in the British film calendar, the prince opted for a navy velor dinner jacket, a Dickie bow and black patent brogues
The prince apologized for the absence of his wife, who continues to recover from abdominal surgery. Pictured: Prince William and Kate Middleton at the BAFTA Awards 2023
Prince William admitted he hasn't seen box office sensation Barbie yet and said he “hopes to do so soon.”
The father of three added that he was “hoping to catch up” and would watch the films with his recovering wife.
Film fans queuing outside the Royal Festival Hall were delighted that the prince had seen Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' but were shocked to find out he had not yet seen Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' starring Margot Robbie.
“I haven't seen Barbie yet,” the prince admitted, and excited fans told him: “You have to see it.”
Inside, the prince took a seat next to Hollywood royalty Cate Blanchett as they prepared to attend this year's David Tennant ceremony.
A bevy of A-list stars descended on London's South Bank this evening, including Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Emily Blunt and Florence Pugh, who made a stunning appearance.
Today's awards ceremony marks the first high-profile royal engagement Prince William has undertaken since his wife's major surgery and his father's diagnosis.
Earlier this month he gave a speech at a charity event in London that raised funds for the London Air Ambulance Charity's new fleet of helicopters earlier this month.
It was thought he might skip the ceremony, where he usually appears arm in arm with Kate, but the prince was keen to continue his duties and represent the royal family at the prestigious event.
The 42-year-old royal walks the carpet alone at the Royal Festival Hall ahead of tonight's ceremony
Cate Blanchett puts her arm on the Prince of Wales' shoulder as the two greet each other
Kate underwent surgery at the London clinic on January 16 and has since returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be with her three children.
Tonight's ceremony marks the 77th annual awards, with Nolan's biopic about the atomic bomb expected to be a big winner after 13 nominations.
Prince William has been a patron for 14 years, and his wife took part in the event with her husband for the first time in 2017.
At last year's event, Kate Middleton chose a one-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress for the occasion, which she wore for the first time at the event in 2019.
For his outfit, William kept things classic and simple, wearing a double-breasted black velvet tuxedo jacket.
Missing girl power, Wills? Prince William apologizes for Kate's absence from the BAFTAs, leaving fans in disbelief as he admits he didn't see Barbie