Prince William drops out of BAFTAs following Prince Philip’s death

The Duke of Cambridge is the president of BAFTA

(Getty Images)

The Duke of Cambridge will no longer attend the BAFTAs this weekend due to the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.

Prince William had originally been due to make an appearance on Saturday 10 April for a pre-recorded conversation with acclaimed costume designer Jenny Beavan and make-up and hair designer Sharon Martin.

The conversation would have revolved around the struggles of making films in lockdown and the craft of filmmaking more generally.

He was also expected to deliver a speech during the main film awards on Sunday evening that would have been live and delivered virtually.

Prince William is the president of BAFTA and usually attends the ceremony each year with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge.

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However, plans have changed due to the fact that his grandfather, Prince Philip, passed away on Friday 9 April.

“In light of The Duke of Edinburgh’s passing, The Duke of Cambridge will no longer be part of BAFTA programming this weekend,” said BAFTA in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy at this time.”

Prince Philip, who died at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, was the first president for BAFTA, and held the role from 1959 to 1965.

This year, the BAFTAs will be a predominantly digital event, however, there will be some awards presented at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday evening in an event hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Edith Bowman.

Presenters include Hugh Grant, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Tom Hiddleston, all of whom will appear in person to present the awards to nominees, who will appear virtually.