Prince William and Kate Middleton stepped out for a date night at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the ceremony, widely regarded as Britain’s answer to the Oscars at London’s Royal Festival Hall. William, serving in his role as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, took to the stage to present the BAFTA Fellowship Award, the Academy’s highest honor, to Dame Donna Langley in recognition of her outstanding contribution to film. But it was a quiet, off-stage moment that caught attention.
Prince William and Kate Middleton snapped giggling in wholesome BAFTAs photo
Royal photographer Andrew Parsons captured a series of behind-the-scenes snapshots, including one particularly charming image of the couple sharing a giggle inside an elevator backstage. In the photo, they appear relaxed and at ease in a private exchange amid the grandeur of the evening. Another candid shot showed William placing a reassuring hand on Kate’s back as they arrived.
Kate wore a striking pink gown that turned heads. It had a flowy silhouette and featured a burgundy belt. Meanwhile, William coordinated with her wearing a burgundy velvet jacket paired with classic black tailoring and a bow tie. Their appearance came just days after the arrest of the former Prince Andrew on Thursday, Feb. 19, which cast a shadow over the royal family.
Andrew, 66, was detained at Wood Farm, the residence where he currently stays on the Sandringham estate after relinquishing Royal Lodge and losing his royal titles last fall. Authorities are investigating him on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police held him for approximately 11 hours before photographers captured him leaving the station.
So far, only the King has addressed the matter publicly. In a statement released through Buckingham Palace, he said he had learned of the news “with the deepest concern” and emphasized that the matter would undergo a “full, fair and proper process.” “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” the statement read. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
