Prince William, Princess Kate make BAFTAs return after Andrew's arrest
Prince William, Princess Kate make BAFTAs return after Andrew's arrest
Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYSun, February 22, 2026 at 8:26 PM UTC
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Prince William and Princess Kate have made their return to the British Academy Film Awards.
The royal couple stepped out in London for the awards ceremony − the British equivalent of the Oscars − on Sunday, Feb. 22. This marked their first joint appearance on the BAFTAs red carpet since 2023. The Prince of Wales, 43, serves as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Kate, 44, smiled and waved as she walked the red carpet, clad in a sheer, layered pink and maroon gown accessorized with diamond earrings and a thick cuff. Her hair was long and in loose waves. William wore a maroon velvet tuxedo jacket with black lapels.
The outing came three days after British police arrested William's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public life.
For years, Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has faced scrutiny over his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing.
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Prince William and Princess Kate attend the BAFTA Film Awards on Feb. 22, 2026, in London.
King Charles III, Prince William's father, previously said in a statement that he learned of Andrew's arrest with "the deepest concern."
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He added, "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."
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Oscar hopefuls including Emma Stone ("Bugonia") are stepping out on the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, where "Sinners" and "Once Battle After Another" are vying for best film honors.
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William and Kate have not made their own comments on Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, but USA TODAY understands they support the king's statement.
Princess Kate attends the BAFTA Film Awards in London on Feb. 22, 2026.
William and Kate last appeared together at the BAFTAs three years ago. In February 2024, William attended the ceremony solo while Kate was recovering from surgery. At the time, William said he had not seen many of the movies that were nominated because he had "other things on my mind." Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer the following month.
Neither William nor Kate attended the BAFTAs in 2025, which were held one month after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer was in remission.
Kate recently reflected on battling cancer in a video released for World Cancer Day earlier this month. "As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear," she said at the time. "There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness and profound connection."
Contributing: Edward Segarra
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prince William, Princess Kate step out at 2026 BAFTAs – See photos
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