It was a glamorous evening for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they made a striking appearance at the BAFTAs in London — and a lip reader has claimed to uncover what they quietly said to one another.
The royal couple stepped onto the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall for the annual ceremony celebrating the best in British film and television on 22 February. Kate stunned in an elegant, princess-style Gucci gown, while William opted for a rich burgundy tuxedo.
After posing for photographs and greeting representatives from British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Southbank Centre, the pair headed inside to join the audience for the star-studded event.
💬 The whispered exchange
As they walked the red carpet, the couple were seen sharing a few quiet words. According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, speaking to The Mirror, Kate appeared to say, “Look at the people!” before waving enthusiastically and greeting the crowd with a cheerful, “Hey!”
William was then said to have gently reminded her to “watch your step” as they made their way inside.
🎬 Talking films — especially Hamnet
During the evening, the pair also discussed one of the night’s biggest winners, Hamnet, which took home Outstanding British Film. Its star, Jessie Buckley, won Leading Actress for her portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes Hathaway.
William admitted he has not yet seen the film, explaining that he wants to be in the right mindset before watching it.
“I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment. I will save it,” he reportedly said.
Kate, however, revealed she had watched it the previous Saturday, describing it as “really very, very powerful.” She praised its “fantastic” and “raw” musical score and reflected on the film’s exploration of intergenerational grief.
Speaking with BAFTA film committee chair Emily Stillman and awards executive Emma Baehr, Kate joked that watching it may not have been the best idea, as it left her with “very puffy eyes.”
🎥 A family love of film
The Princess also shared that her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — are increasingly curious about filmmaking.
“They love the idea of being behind the scenes and finding out how it all happens,” she said, adding that films can help spark meaningful conversations at home. She noted they still have a long watchlist to get through.
🏆 William presents BAFTA Fellowship
Toward the end of the ceremony, William took to the stage to present the BAFTA Fellowship award to Dame Donna Langley, chair of entertainment at NBCUniversal.
He praised her “transformative leadership” and dedication to creative partnerships, crediting her with helping bring some of the century’s most iconic films to audiences worldwide and championing projects that have shaped modern culture.
🏆 Selected BAFTA 2026 Winners
🎥 Best Film
Winner: One Battle After Another
🇬🇧 Outstanding British Film
Winner: Hamnet
🎭 Leading Actress
Winner: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
🎭 Leading Actor
Winner: Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
🎭 Supporting Actress
Winner: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)
🎭 Supporting Actor
Winner: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
