Entertainment

Cheers for William and Kate as they walk the red carpet at Bafta film awards

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received a warm welcome at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received a warm welcome at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received a warm welcome at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were cheered on to the red carpet at the Bafta film awards.

Kate was dressed in a white one-shouldered Alexander McQueen dress with a floral motif while William wore a black dinner suit.

After the ceremony on Sunday evening, the royal couple met award winners including Olivia Coleman, Rami Malek and Alfonso Cuaron to congratulate them on their success.

The couple mingled on stage with the winners, chatting and laughing together while the rest of the audience filed out of the venue.

EE British Academy Film Awards 2019 – Arrivals – London
EE British Academy Film Awards 2019 – Arrivals – London William and Kate arriving at the Bafta Awards (Ian West/PA)

William, who is the president of Bafta, presented its highest accolade, the Fellowship, to film editor Thelma Schoonmaker.

Presenting the award, he said: “Her work has produced some of the most memorable moments in cinema.”

He also discussed Bafta’s work with actors, saying: “Tonight’s nominees are a true testament to Bafta’s dedication to funding and supporting that talent.”

Fans who had gathered outside the Royal Albert Hall in central London screamed as the royal couple walked side-by-side into the ceremony on Sunday evening after making the short journey from Kensington Palace.

They were greeted at the entrance by the Royal Albert Hall’s chief executive Craig Hassall before making their way to their seats.

British Academy Film Awards – London
British Academy Film Awards – London The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received a warm welcome at the Baftas (Tim Ireland/PA)

The entire crowd rose to their feet to welcome the royal couple into the ceremony, which was presented by actress Joanna Lumley, and stayed silent as they made their way down to their places in the front row of the auditorium.

They were the last to take their seats and were introduced to the audience by the announcer.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were making a return to the film awards, having attended previous ceremonies together.

The duke has been president of the academy since February 2010.