Prince William and Princess Catherine Grace the BAFTA 2026 Red Carpet in Coordinated Burgundy

Published 02/22/2026, 12:28 PM EST

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards witnessed a regal return as Prince William and Princess Catherine reclaimed their spotlight on the British film industry's biggest night. Their arrival at the Royal Festival Hall signaled a blend of tradition and modern elegance that captivated onlookers and industry professionals alike.

The royal couple made a grand entrance that balanced high-fashion choices with their official duties at the ceremony.

Prince William and Princess Catherine shine at the BAFTAs

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Prince William and Princess Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, brought a sense of classic grandeur to the red carpet this Sunday. The Prince opted for a sophisticated burgundy velvet jacket paired with a traditional black tie, standing out as the organization's president.

Princess Catherine complemented his look in a stunning, floor-length pink Gucci gown that flowed elegantly as they entered the venue. While the pair did not stop to address the media, their presence spoke volumes to the attendees and the global audience watching.

They navigated the bustling red carpet with a practiced grace, eventually making their way into the Royal Festival Hall for the festivities. The event marked a significant moment for the duo, who have long supported the growth of British and global cinema.

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Their return to the ceremony is especially noteworthy when considering their absence from recent iterations of the event.

A highly anticipated return to the royal festival hall

This year marks a celebratory comeback for the Princess of Wales, who has not graced the BAFTA red carpet since 2023. In 2024, Prince William attended the awards alone while Princess Catherine focused on her recovery from a significant abdominal surgery. The couple missed the 2025 ceremony entirely, making their joint appearance this year a major highlight for royal observers.

The hiatus in their attendance had previously left fans wondering when the full royal contingent would return to the front row. Princess Catherine’s previous appearance in 2023 remains a memorable moment in the awards' history, making her Gucci debut this year a much-discussed fashion milestone. Their reunion at the event highlights a return to their regular public-facing roles within the film community.

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Alan Cumming, the host for the 2026 ceremony, led the evening as the royals watched from their traditional seats of honor. The atmosphere remained professional and celebratory, focusing on the achievements of directors and actors rather than external distractions. This appearance reinforces the stability of their patronage as the organization continues to champion excellence in filmmaking.

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Soma Mitra

974 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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