Prince William delivered a speech at the BAFTAs celebrating Britain's creative industries as the nation's 'greatest strength' as he and Princess Kate put on a cheery display in their first public appearance since Andrew's arrest.
The Prince and Princess of Wales dazzled as they appeared at the Royal Festival Hall in London for the annual film awards on Sunday.
The pair sported complimentary outfits - with Catherine wearing a recycled Gucci gown finished off with a maroon belt and William donning a matching maroon blazer.
Kate previously wore the dress to the 100 Women in Finance's gala dinner in 2019 to support mental health in schools.
The couple's attendance at the awards marks their first public engagement as a couple since the arrest of William's uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over suspicions of misconduct in public office on Thursday morning.
It was clear that issues engulfing Andrew weren't far from Prince William's mind as he admitted he had not yet watched best picture nominee Hamnet because he 'needed to be in a calm mood'.
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Speaking on the carpet before the star-studded event he said: 'I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it.'
But Catherine, he said, had watched the hugely emotional film on Saturday night and was left in 'floods of tears'.
Prince William and Princess Catherine arriving at the BAFTAs in London on Sunday
The pair dazzled in complementary outfits - with Catherine wearing a recycled Gucci gown finished off with a maroon belt and William donning a matching maroon blazer
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's appearance at the BAFTAs marks their first public appearance since the arrest of Andrew (pictured leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following questioning on Thursday)
Hamnet tells the story of the tragic death in childhood of Shakespeare's son and the grief of his parents.
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'I thought it was a bad idea, actually,' the princess joked of watching the film before the ceremony. 'Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic.'
Upon arrival at the Royal Festival Hall, the Prince and Princess met BAFTA's Chief Executive Officer Jane Millichip and were introduced to a number of key representatives.
The couple then took their seats inside the auditorium where they skipped the VIP box to sit next to Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment.
Prince William is the President of BAFTA and was there to present Dame Donna with a BAFTA Fellowship - the organisation's highest honour.
The film executive is the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, championing major films such as Bridesmaids, Get Out, The Holdovers, and BAFTA’s best picture winner Oppenheimer.
Ahead of the award for Costume Design, host Alan Cumming reappeared on stage in a pale embroidered suit.
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'Yes I have had a costume change, thank you for noticing Prince William,' he said, to laughter from the future King and Queen.
In his speech, William said: 'Our creative industries are one of this country’s greatest strengths, and I will continue to celebrate and support the talent that makes them shine globally in my role as President of BAFTA.'
The Duke of Cambridge, the President of BAFTA, presented the BAFTA Fellowship - the organisation's highest order - to Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment (pictured on the red carpet before the BAFTAs ceremony)
Dame Donna sat next to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the event
Princess Kate (right) seen speaking with Dame Donna (left) who is the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio
Dame Donna Langley accepts the BAFTA Fellowship award from Prince William
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The Prince praised Dame Donna for her 'exceptional contribution to film' and hailed her as 'a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, performers and creators are seen, supported and celebrated on the world stage.'
'Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry,' William added.
'She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment.
'Her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century’s most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world.
'She has championed films that have shaped culture, and is responsible for some of our most beloved franchises.
'And in amongst all of this, Dame Donna Langley has maintained a strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship, founding initiatives to widen access to careers in the screen arts and supporting women in leadership. This work is crucial.'
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William then introduced a footage of stars paying tribute to Dame Donna, including directors Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, Tom Cruise and Emma Thompson, who appeared with no make up on and joked, 'I look like Boris Johnson.'
Dame Donna received a long standing ovation and thanked Prince William for the ‘incredibly gracious introduction’.
