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A-List Stars Send Love to Catherine at BAFTAs 2024
The glitz and glamour of the BAFTAs 2024 lit up London as the biggest names in Hollywood gathered to celebrate the finest in film.
This year's ceremony took place on February 18 at the Royal Festival Hall, drawing a star-studded crowd that included Emma Stone, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling.
The event not only recognized outstanding movies and performances from the past year but also served as a platform for heartfelt messages, particularly concerning the health of Princess Catherine.
The anticipation leading up to the awards was palpable, especially since the nominees had been announced exactly one month earlier by former EE Rising Star nominees Naomi Ackie and Kingsley Ben-Adir during a lively press conference.
Actor David Tennant hosted the evening, marking his return to television following his recent stint in Doctor Who specials.
His presence added an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Prince William made a notable appearance, radiating warmth and positivity as he mingled with the stars backstage.
Arriving solo, he explained that his wife, Catherine, was unable to attend due to her recovery from abdominal surgery.
Dressed in his signature navy velour suit jacket and a classic dickie bow, William expressed his apologies for Catherine's absence, emphasizing her love for the BAFTAs.
Despite the personal challenges he faced, including his father's recent cancer diagnosis, William seemed to embrace the night.
He candidly admitted that he hadn't had the chance to watch as many films lately, revealing that family matters had taken precedence in his life.
This honesty resonated with many who could relate to balancing personal responsibilities with outside commitments.
As the night unfolded, William took time to engage with fans who gathered outside the venue.
In a charming moment, he confessed to being one of the few who hadn't seen the blockbuster hit Barbie, much to the surprise of the eager crowd.
His down-to-earth demeanor struck a chord, reminding everyone that even royals have relatable moments.
Backstage, the atmosphere was electric as Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer swept seven awards.
William was seen shaking hands with various stars, including Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton and American actress Ayo Edebiri.
He also congratulated Savannah Leaf, director of Earth Mama, and her team for winning the BAFTA for debut British writer, director, or producer.
Amidst the celebrations, the stars took a moment to send their love and prayers to Princess Catherine through Prince William.
The sentiment was a poignant reminder of the support she has from the entertainment community, with many expressing hopes to see her back in public soon.
Interestingly, this show of solidarity toward Catherine contrasted sharply with the absence of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from the event.
The couple has been embroiled in ongoing tensions with the royal family, which led to their exclusion from this year's BAFTAs and last year's tea party in Los Angeles.
Sources indicate that inviting Meghan and Harry could have exacerbated their feud, particularly given William's role as the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The decision to leave them out appears to have been a careful consideration amidst the royal family's complex dynamics.
In a playful jab at Meghan, some commentators noted her attempts to mirror Catherine's style and public persona, suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex has been trying to emulate the Princess of Wales.
From fashion choices to hobbies, the comparisons have become a topic of conversation among royal watchers.