Kate Middleton and Prince William Won't Make Their Red Carpet Return at the BAFTAs This Year

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the BAFTA Film Awards on Feb. 19, 2023.Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamwon’t be attending the 2025BAFTAs.

Kensington Palace confirmed on Feb. 10 that the Prince and Princess of Wales will not be at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 16. Prince William, who has been president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, is set to appear in a video package as part of the awards and will visit the London Screen Academy on Wednesday.

The Prince of Walesattended the event solo in 2024, shortly after it was announced that his wife had recently undergoneabdominal surgery(the following month, Kate revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer).

Prince William attends the BAFTA Film Awards in 2024.Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool/Getty

Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool/Getty

While speaking with Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre, at the event,Prince William apologized for his wife’s absence. “I’m sorry Catherine’s not here. She does love the BAFTAs,” he said.

Prince William and Princess Kate have missed the BAFTAs before. Williamcanceled his scheduled appearance in 2021following the death of his grandfather Prince Philip, and they wereabsent due to diary constraintsthe following year.

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Kate Middleton and Prince William attend the BAFTA Film Awards in London on February 12, 2017.DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

Princess Kate has showcased some of her best red carpet style at the BAFTA Film Awards over the years.

The then-Duchess of Cambridge wasall smileswhile attending the awards show for the first time in 2017. She opted for a bespoke, floral print Alexander McQueen gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, fitted bodice and full, tiered skirt. Kate wore her hair swept into an updo, keeping the attention on her chandelier pear-shaped earrings.

Kate Middleton attending the BAFTA Film Awards through the years.Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images; David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton at the BAFTAs on February 19, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty

In one of her most memorable looks at the 2023 awards, the royal recycled her whiteAlexander McQueen gownfrom 2019, restyling the asymmetric neckline’s corsage-style embellishment on left shoulder to a regal sweep of white chiffon. Kate embraced bold accessories for the dress' second spin, making a statement in oversized rose gold floral earrings from Zara and full-length black velvet opera gloves.

“Opera gloves are transformative; they have enormous leverage,” Genevieve James, creative director at royal glove supplierCornelia James, told PEOPLE. “They turn any event into an occasion and a dress into a statement.”

source: people.com