Prince William and Princess Catherine Arrive at the BAFTAs Just Days After Ex-Prince Andrew Was Arrested – Photos

Against a backdrop of headlines and heightened attention, the royal couple delivered a carefully calibrated pink carpet moment. Scroll to the end of the article to see the photographs from the night.

Prince William and Princess Catherine put on a notably cheery display as they arrived at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, for the annual EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

The outing marked their first public appearance together since the arrest of the Prince of Wales's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on Thursday morning.

The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared relaxed as they greeted well-wishers and posed for photographs outside the Southbank venue.

Princess Catherine chose a recycled Gucci gown she first wore to the 100 Women in Finance gala dinner in 2019, where she supported mental health initiatives in schools.

The elegant white dress featured soft draping and was cinched at the waist with a deep maroon belt, subtly accentuating her silhouette. She paired the look with coordinating heels and understated jewellery, allowing the clean lines of the gown to take centre stage.

Prince William complemented his wife's ensemble in a classic black trouser and shirt combination, elevated by a rich maroon velvet blazer that mirrored the Princess's belt. The colour coordination offered a polished, unified look, adding warmth to the winter evening.

Online, the Princess's decision to rewear the gown drew praise. One person commented, "She has worn it before. [...] Happy to know she re-cycles her expensive gowns." Another shared, "She looks more free with her looks after the Queen's passing ..."

Others focused on the couple's body language. "They both look amazing in their color coordinated outfits. I and I mean just me wish he would hold her hand or offer is [sic] arm when they are waking together," one netizen wrote in part.

A separate comment read, "Opps they need to be holding hands or arms me thinns [sic]."

The Waleses' glamorous appearance marked their first joint engagement since the former Duke of York was arrested over suspicions of misconduct in public office.

He was later released under investigation on Thursday evening — his 66th birthday — after almost 12 hours in police custody.

The late Queen Elizabeth II's second son is being investigated over whether he shared confidential information during his tenure as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. If charged and found guilty, he could face a custodial sentence.

The arrest made him the first British royal in modern history to be detained by police, sending shockwaves through the institution.

Against that backdrop, the Prince and Princess's composed presence at the BAFTAs offered a momentary reprieve from the unfolding controversy.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed by BAFTA Chief Executive Officer Jane Millichip and introduced to key representatives before taking their seats inside the auditorium.

Then, in a break from tradition, the couple skipped the VIP box and instead sat alongside Dame Donna Langley, Chairperson of NBCUniversal Entertainment.

As President of the BAFTAs, Prince William presented Dame Donna with a BAFTA Fellowship — the organisation's highest honour.

In his speech, he celebrated Britain's creative sector as "one of this country's greatest strengths," adding, "I will continue to celebrate and support the talent that makes them shine globally in my role as President of BAFTA."

The Prince of Wales praised Dame Donna's "exceptional contribution to film" and described her as "a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, performers and creators are seen, supported and celebrated on the world stage."

"She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment," he continued. The royal also highlighted her commitment to inclusion and mentorship, calling the work "crucial."

The ceremony included a tribute video featuring directors Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, alongside actors Tom Cruise and Emma Thompson. Donna received a standing ovation and thanked the Prince for his introduction.

Still, the weight of recent events surfaced during a lighter exchange. Asked whether he had watched best picture nominee "Hamnet," Prince William admitted, "I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it."

He revealed that Princess Catherine, on the other hand, had been left in tears after viewing the film the previous evening. The remark, brief though it was, underscored the delicate moment facing the family.

Past BAFTA controversies also resurfaced online, including actress Rebel Wilson's 2020 quip referencing "Royal Andrew" and "Royal Harry" while the Prince and Princess sat in the front row.

In the wake of the headlines, some commentators revisited footage of the exchange. "The only joke is the fact that they're sat there like nothing is happening," one person typed.

Another added, "Truth hurts, huh?" while a third remarked, "William looking like he's living his best life anyone would think he hated his Uncle lol [sic]."

Even so, on Sunday evening, the focus remained firmly on film and Prince William and Princess Catherine presenting a united, carefully calibrated front during one of the most testing weeks in recent royal history.

From behind, the Prince and Princess of Wales walked the length of the pink carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, their silhouettes framed by the iconic BAFTA masks. The flowing layers of the Princess's blush-toned gown trailed softly behind her, while the Prince's deep maroon velvet jacket stood out against the dark backdrop as they made their entrance on February 22, 2026.

Smiling as they arrived at the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards in London, the Prince and Princess of Wales appeared composed and coordinated, their matching maroon accents tying their looks together. The Princess carried a tonal clutch as the couple moved along the carpet, drawing the attention of waiting photographers.

In profile, the Prince and Princess of Wales were captured mid-step, their expressions more focused as they progressed towards the auditorium inside the Royal Festival Hall. The Princess's softly draped neckline and statement bracelet caught the light, while the Prince's black lapels sharpened the rich hue of his jacket.

A closer view revealed the Prince of Wales's black bow tie set against a crisp white shirt, contrasting with the plush texture of his velvet blazer. Just behind him, the Princess of Wales's loose waves fell over her shoulders, her layered bodice blending rose and mauve tones in a subtle gradient.

Glancing briefly towards the cameras, the Princess of Wales walked alongside the Prince of Wales as security and event staff lined the perimeter of the pink carpet. The full length of her gown fanned elegantly across the floor, its maroon waistband echoing the Prince's jacket as they continued into the BAFTAs ceremony in London, England.

Seated inside the Royal Festival Hall, the Princess of Wales beamed as she looked out across the auditorium, her layered skirt gathered neatly at her knees. Beside her, the Prince of Wales glanced down at the evening's programme, momentarily absorbed, as guests settled into their seats ahead of the ceremony.

The Prince and Princess of Wales rose to their feet in applause, joining nominees and industry figures in a standing ovation during the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards. Surrounded by a sea of black tie and sequins, the couple clapped in unison, the Princess's maroon waistband and the Prince's velvet jacket subtly linking their formal looks under the stage lights.

Under bright stage lights at the Royal Festival Hall, the Prince of Wales stepped forward to present the BAFTA Fellowship during the film awards, holding the iconic bronze mask. Dressed in his maroon velvet blazer and black tie, he cut a composed figure as he fulfilled his role as President of the BAFTAs on February 22 in London, England.