The Prince and Princess of Wales walked the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas) red carpet together in London.
The Prince and Princess of Wales walked the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas) red carpet together in London, in the wake of the arrest of William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
They were joined by the stars of this year’s biggest movies and host actor Alan Cumming at the Southbank Centre’s RoyalFestival Hall, for the awards, which honour the best in British film and beyond.
It was the first time the royal couple had attended the awards together since 2023. Neither attended in 2025, and William attended alone in 2024, telling fans on the carpet that his wife Kate was unable to join while undergoing cancer treatment.
This year, William, 43, wore a burgundy velvet jacket, while Kate, 44, rewore a two-toned, floor-length Gucci gown that she first wore to a gala dinner in 2019.
Speaking on the carpet before heading inside for the awards, William said he wasn’t in the right state to watch best picture nominee Hamnet, which follows the storyline of Shakespeare and his Agnes after losing their child.
“I need to be in quite a calm state, and I am not at the moment. I will save it,” he said, before revealing Kate had recently watched the film and was left in “floods of tears”.
Catherine and William arrive at the Baftas. Photo / Getty Images
Also in attendance were best actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio and Golden Globes winner and nominee Timothee Calamet, who both missed out on the Best Actor gong. It went to I Swear star Robert Aramayo.
Best actress nominee Emma Stone also walked the red carpet, as did best supporting actor nominee Paul Mescal, who was joined by partner, singer Gracie Abrams.
Other famous faces to grace the carpet included Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Michael B Jordan, the cast of K-Pop Demon Hunters, and even West End’s Paddington Bear made an appearance.
Big winners on the night included Hament actress Jessie Buckley, One Battle After Another‘s director and writer Paul Thomas Anderson and Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley who won for her work on Frankenstein.
Here are the best fashion looks from the 2026 Baftas
Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. Photo / Getty Images
Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner
While Kylie skipped the carpet with her leading man, the couple were pictured inside looking loved up in Custom Givenchy (Chalamet) and vintage Thierry Mugler (Jenner).
Emma Stone. Photo / Getty Images
Emma Stone
Actress Emma Stone wore a simple plunging Louis Vuitton gown with minimal accessories and pinned-back hair.
Teyana Taylor. Photo / Getty Images
Teyana Taylor
One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor came to serve in a custom Burberry look matched with a bold winged eyeliner.
Leonardo DiCaprio. Photo / Getty Images
Leonardo DiCaprio
Never straying far from his signature black tux, DiCaprio kept things simple but classy in Dior.
Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst. Photo / Getty Images
Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst was having a Valentino moment on the carpet with husband and Bafta nominee Jesse Plemons.
Kate Hudson. Photo / Getty Images
Kate Hudson
Actress Kate Hudson stunned in a custom Prada gown topped off with a diamond necklace and chandelier diamond earrings.
Hamnet actor Joe Alywn wore a cream jacket elevated with a gold brooch as he graced the carpet in style.
Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne. Photo / Getty Images
Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You starRose Byrne may have missed out on the Bafta, but she won the carpet in Miu Miu, alongside husband and actor Bobby Cannavale.
Aimee Lou Wood. Photo / Getty Images
Aimee Lou Wood
White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood was pretty in pink, wearing Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection.
Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has previously worked as lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor.