If there’s one thing you can almost always count on, it’s an appearance by at least one member of the royal family at the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs). Sadly, however, this year might not follow the same pattern. Neither Prince William nor Kate Middleton will be making a glamorous appearance, but that won’t stop us from taking a walk down memory lane.
Before this year, however, there have been many enchanting royal appearances at the BAFTAs.
Of the five presidents who have presided over the annual awards over the BAFTAs’ seven decades of existence, four have been members of the royal family.
Prince William has presided as president of the BAFTAs since 2010, and prior to his occupation of the leadership position, Princess Anne oversaw the awards from 1973 to 2001, and prior to her occupation of the role, Prince Philip was appointed president from 1959 to 1965 — he was actually the first person to fill the prestigious position.
While there aren’t any in 2026, the British royals usually make this a go-to date night!
Below, see which royals have been at the BAFTA Film Awards over the years.
Prince William (2024)
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With Kate Middleton recovering from surgery at the time, Prince William made a solo appearance at the 2024 BAFTAs.
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2023)
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In their first BAFTA appearance since the pandemic started in 2020, William and Kate arrived in pure class and style. William sported a black velvet jacket, with Kate rocking black in her accessories, a dramatic pair of long gloves. She also wowed in a flowing white gown from Alexander McQueen that took everyone’s breath away.
Kate Middleton (2023)
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We’re giving you a second look at Kate’s 2023 BAFTAs look because, seriously, how stunning are these accessories?
The mom-of-three wore major statement earrings but kept her hair and makeup simple and glowing to let the jewellery have its moment!
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2020)
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In 2020, the BAFTAs implemented a sustainable dress code for their annual event and requested that guests re-wear, rent, or purchase vintage attire for the evening.
Kate understood the assignment and re-wore a gilded Alexander McQueen gown. She had previously worn the dress at a 2012 state dinner in Malaysia.
Prince William, for his part, kept things simple each year at the awards ceremony by re-wearing the same ensemble, from his sharp tuxedo all the way down to his velvet dress shoes.
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2019)
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In 2019, Kate turned heads in an angelic single-shoulder gown designed, once again, by Alexander McQueen. The future queen notably added a pair of Princess Diana’s silver and pearl earrings to her glamorous look.
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2018)
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Kate was pregnant with Prince Louis at the 2018 BAFTA awards, and she showed off her growing bump in a gorgeous forest green gown by Jenny Packham. While her dress was stunning, it was her jewels that stole the show.
The Duchess of Cambridge re-wore a matching earring and necklace set encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, which she previously wore at a 2014 anniversary dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
And Prince William, again, donned his ole reliable tux and velvet slippers. He’s certainly nailing the sustainable fashion rules!
Princess Beatrice (2018)
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Princess Beatrice of York made a muh more low-key entrance to the 2018 event in comparison to her cousin and his wife.
Here she is attending seen at the Vogue and Tiffany & Co party after the lavish award show.
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2017)
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In 2017, Kate wore another Alexander McQueen gown — this one a black off-the-shoulder number with a repeating green and violet floral pattern.
Prince William & Kate Middleton (2011)
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The first year the future king and queen of England attended the BAFTAs together was 2011, a year after Prince William had become president of the prestigious award show.
William looked dapper, as always, in a crisp black tux, and Kate wore a flowing lilac gown by Alexander McQueen, cinched at the waist with a sparkling belt.
The princess re-wore the same gown a decade later at the Earthshot Prize in 2021, which is another event that celebrates sustainability.
Prince William (2010)
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Prince William’s first year attending the BAFTA awards as the event’s president was 2010, and he looked absolutely thrilled to be a part of the distinguished evening. He was, notably, not wearing the velvet shoes he now so loves.
Princess Anne (1979)
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Before Prince William took the helm as the BAFTA awards president, Princess Anne presided over the event from 1973 to 2001. Here, she’s seen presenting an award to Francesca Annis for her role in The Comedy of Errors in 1979.
Princess Anne (1971)
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In 1971, a 21-year-old Princess Anne made her BAFTA debut, back when it was still named the Society of Film and Television Arts Awards (SFTA).
The royal was all smiles in a green frock and a choker that proves she was ahead of the fashion game.
Prince Philip (1963)
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Prince Philip was the event’s very first president, a role in which he served from 1959 to 1965. Above, the Duke of Edinburgh is seen at the 16th annual BAFTAs presenting an award to Richard Attenborough in 1963.