29 January 2024 , 15:54
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BAFTA was said to be involved in a difficult row with its president Prince William over whether his wife Kate would attend the ceremony.
The Princess of Wales is well known for dazzling on the red carpet at glitzy events and regularly stuns in beautiful designer gowns. All eyes are on her when she attends any prestigious occasion and she often graces the annual BAFTA awards thanks to her husband Prince William being the president of the film and television academy since 2010.
However, back in 2017, which marked her first appearance at the event, it was this attention that was rumoured to be at the root of an awkward argument between BAFTA and William. Senior staff at the organisation were said to be worried Kate, who was Duchess of Cambridge at the time, would steal the limelight from A-list celebrities.
Stars attending that year included Emily Blunt, Emma Stone and Nicole Kidman and there were fears Kate's presence could detract from theirs.
William had come under fire for not attending the two previous years ceremonies so possibly because of this criticism, he revealed his intention to go to the event and take Kate with him. A BAFTA source told The Sun the Prince thought it would be a show of commitment and generate headlines around the world. But the academy raised its concerns for other stars.
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Kate did attend in 2017 and dazzled on the red carpet (Getty Images Europe)"It was then expressed by senior staff within BAFTA that Kate's attendance will totally distract from all the film stars there," the source said at the time.
The situation was believed to have sparked tension, with BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry attempting to smooth relations with Kensington Palace.
A second BAFTA source told the paper: "Most people think William will end up getting his way by bringing Kate but it's created awkwardness because her attendance shouldn't have been in question."
BAFTA denied there had been an issue and said both Kate and William were invited. "It is completely untrue that BAFTA has suggested that our president attend on his own," a spokesperson said at the time. "We would be delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses any year they are able to attend."
The young royal couple did end up making their debut together at the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on February 12, with the Princess choosing an off the shoulder Bardot-style, floral Alexander McQueen dress. Her hair was swept up in a glamorous updo to show off her statement diamond earrings and she wore a beautiful matching bracelet. William was suitably smart in a tuxedo and there were said to be gasps from the crowd as they arrived.