There’s only one thing more quintessentially British than the BAFTA awards themselves – and that’s when the royal family actually walk the red carpet at the event.
Indeed, the British royal family have a long history with the UK’s most prestigious film and television awards, dating all the way back to 1959, when Prince Philip was appointed its first president.
Since then we have had the pleasure of of seeing a number of royal family members attend the glitzy event, and with the 2026 BAFTA Awards done and dusted, we can’t help but reminisce.
Prince William is the current president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, so the royal dad-of-three also has the important duty of presenting the Fellowship award.
But Catherine and William are far from being the first royals to walk the BAFTAs red carpet – and luckily for us, there’s plenty of evidence to prove it.
Ahead of this year’s event we’ve found all the glamorous pictures of the royals at the BAFTAs – and it’s a sight to behold.
Keep scrolling for some pure visual joy.
2026
The Wales family made a glamorous return to the BAFTAs in 2026! Princess Catherine’s dreamy pink Gucci gown was first seen in 2019 at the 100 Women in Finance Gala. This time she accessorised the gown with Greville Diamond Chandelier earrings originally created by Cartier and owned by Queen Elizabeth.
Matching his wife, Prince William wore an Emporio Armani dark red velvet jacket.
Speaking on the red carpet prior to the event, the Wales couple discussed the incredibly popular movie, Hamnet. The Prince hasn’t watched it, noting, “I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it.” However, Princess Catherine said she was left in a “flood of tears” after watching the movie.
“Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic,” she said.
2024
While Princess Catherine recovered from surgery, Prince William attended the 2024 BAFTA Awards solo.
The Prince of Wales looked dapper in a slick blue velvet tuxedo as he rubbed shoulders with David Beckham and our very own Cate Blanchett.
“Always a pleasure to join the best of the film industry at The @bafta Awards,” Prince William’s official social media account posted. “Congratulations to all of this evening’s nominees and winners! #EEBAFTAs.”
2023
This might just be one of Catherine’s most iconic BAFTA looks. Not only did royal watchers adore the elegant black gloves paired with the exact same Alexander McQueen one-shoulder gown she wore in 2019, but also the affordable Zara earrings.
2019
Wearing a beautiful asymmetrical white gown from Alexander McQueen, Princess Catherine finished the look with jewellery that holds emotional signifance to the royal family.
The pearl earrings originally belonged to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, who had previously worn the pieces to a banquet during her visit to Japanese Emperor Akihito in 1990.
2018
Princess Catherine walked the BAFTA red carpet just two months before giving birth to her third child, Prince Louis.
She paired a Jenny Packham moss green dress with a stunning emerald and diamond necklace and earrings set.
2018
Also in attendance at the glitzy event in 2018 was Princess Beatrice, who added an extra layer of warmth over her red dress. We can’t blame her, Britain was in the throes of winter!
2017
In 2017, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge again proved that they really are regular fixtures at this glamorous event.
On the night, Kate cut an elegant figure in a stunning Alexander McQueen design with floral detailing.
2014
In 2014, Wills flew solo for the awards event, looking every bit the dapper Prince we know him to be!
2013
In 2013, the Queen herself was gifted an honorary award by the association for her support from various patronages. The then 87-year-old looked radiant in a muted-toned ensemble.
2011
And in a BAFTA moment for the ages, the pair put on a seamless display in 2011 (just a few months after their wedding!) as they graced the red carpet in LA where a gala was held.
Princess Catherine’s stunning Alexander McQueen dress is possibly one of our favourite looks on the Duchess of all time!
2010
The name’s William… barely a year before he sealed the deal with Kate, Prince William was the image of handsome as he attended the BAFTAs in 2010.
1994
Much like William and Catherine, Princess Anne has also enjoyed attending the awards event over the years. Pictured here in 1994 with her husband Commander Tim Laurence, the pair looked set for a glam night out.
1979
In 1979, Princess Anne, who was in her late twenties at the time, looked chic in a pleated gown and pearl choker necklace.
1971
Old Hollywood at its finest! A 21-year-old Princess Anne was the image of elegance in this green and white frock when she attended the British event in 1971.
