London, February 22, 2026 – The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, made a striking and unexpected appearance at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening, marking their first joint outing at the prestigious event since 2023.

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The couple’s arrival at the Royal Festival Hall came as a surprise to many, as their attendance had not been publicly confirmed by Kensington Palace or the British Academy of Film and Television Arts beforehand.

Prince William, 43, who serves as President of BAFTA, looked sharp in a burgundy velvet jacket paired with a classic black tie, exuding regal poise as he walked the red carpet. Complementing her husband perfectly, the Princess of Wales, 44, turned heads in a floor-length pink Gucci gown – a rewear from her 2019 wardrobe.

The elegant chiffon dress featured a soft palette of raspberry pink, rose, and muted tones, complete with a velvet cinched belt that echoed the tonal theme of William’s ensemble. The coordinated look was widely praised as a masterclass in royal red-carpet coordination, blending sophistication with subtle matching flair.

The couple arrived toward the end of the red carpet arrivals, smiling warmly for photographers but opting not to stop for interviews.

Their appearance was particularly notable given the timing: it followed just days after the high-profile arrest of Prince Andrew (now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) earlier in the week, an event that has intensified scrutiny on the royal family.

Despite the surrounding drama, William and Kate presented a united, composed front, with sources noting they appeared focused on supporting the British film industry rather than addressing media questions about the monarchy’s challenges.

This outing represents a significant return for Kate, who last attended the BAFTAs in 2023 and has prioritized family and recovery in recent years. William, as BAFTA President, is expected to present the prestigious Fellowship Award later in the evening – the ceremony’s highest honor.

Fans and fashion observers quickly hailed the Princess’s recycled Gucci choice as a nod to sustainability, a value the couple has long championed. Social media buzzed with compliments on their “incredible matching look,” with many calling it a refreshing highlight amid ongoing royal headlines.

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards celebrate the best in global cinema, and the Waleses’ presence added undeniable star power to the star-studded event. In a year of transitions for the royal family, their poised red-carpet moment served as a reminder of their enduring public appeal and commitment to cultural institutions like BAFTA.