Prince William will not be physically in attendance at this year’s BAFTAs
The Duke of Cambridge is president of the academy and has left BAFTA bosses “disappointed” after turning down an invite to the show at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday.
Organisers will instead show a pre-recorded message from him during the televised ceremony.
The future King became BAFTAs president in 2010, having taken over the position from Sir Richard Attenborough.
In an exclusive to the Daily Mirror, a source said: “Prince William is always a huge draw, not least as it’s the first year back in person after the pandemic.”
(Image: Getty Images)
They added: “But BAFTA were told that diary constraints precluded him from attending in person this year. It’s such a shame and everyone is very disappointed.”
Last year, The Duke of Cambridge was set to deliver a video speech at the virtual ceremony, celebrating the strength of the film industry during the pandemic.
However, William, 39, pulled out of the ceremony following the death of his grandfather Prince Philip.
(Image: Adam Gray SWNS.com)
The TV source added: “That was, of course, totally understandable. But everyone expected him to attend this year and the fact he is not, is most unfortunate.”
There has been tension between the Palace and the BBC over recent coverage of the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace condemned journalist Amol Rajan’s The Princes and the Press series, which included claims courtiers leaked negative stories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Sources close to the Duke played down the decision not to attend the ceremony as being linked to the row.
(Image: BBC)
BAFTA spokesman said: “We’re delighted that BAFTA president The Duke of Cambridge will be participating in the EE BAFTA Film Awards via a pre-recorded video message.”
The spokesperson confirmed that he won’t physically attend the ceremony, commenting: “Due to diary constraints he is not able to attend in person this year.”
The 75th BAFTAs hosted by actress Rebel Wilson will be broadcast on BBC1.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
