This weekend marked the 2019 BAFTAs, with a host of A-listers and royalty taking to the Royal Albert Hall red carpet.
From Claire Foy in Oscar De La Renta to Glenn Close in McQueen, all eyes were on the outfits at the Royal Albert Hall - with the red carpet even getting temporarily shut down, but it was when the ceremony started that the noise grew even louder.
But instead of Bradley Cooper’s tribute to Irina Shayk or Lady Gaga’s heartfelt social media statement, it was the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s presence that caused the most excitement.
The royal couple were announced to be attending the ceremony just weeks ago, and while this is hardly surprising – given the fact that Prince William is the President of BAFTA, he was given a very special job this year - presenting the Fellowship award.
And as he took to the stage, the Duke of Cambridge not only paid tribute to the award's recipient, Thelma Schoonmaker, he also announced some very exciting plans for BAFTA.
‘Catherine and I are delighted again to join you this evening as we part with another amazing year in film,’ Prince William announced to the audience. ‘BAFTA is known for achieving excellence and championing creativity, but at its heart it is an organisation that inspires and nurtures exceptional talent.’
Going on to make an exciting announcement on behalf of BAFTA, he continued: ‘I am a passionate supporter of BAFTA and I couldn’t be more proud of its ambitious plans to dramatically increase the support for new talent over the coming years.
‘To make this happen, BAFTA is completely developing its flagship headquarters and I would like to thank all of those who are so generously supporting this project. In doing so you are ensuring that creative talent from all backgrounds has the opportunity to shine. Tonight’s nominees and winners are a true testament to BAFTA’s dedication to finding and supporting that talent.’
What a night!
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