The Princess of Wales sent royal fans wild this evening as she appeared to give her husband Prince William a gentle tap on the behind while walking the Bafta red carpet tonight.
As the couple arrived at Royal Festival Hall in London this evening, Kate Middleton, 41, and the Prince appeared to exchange a few words, before she leant across and appeared to give his behind a soft tap.
It was a rare moment of PDA for the couple, who appeared relaxed and overjoyed to be attending the event, which has become an annual occasion for the two.
Kate opted for an Alexander McQueen one shoulder gown for the occasion, which she first wore to the event in 2019.
The white one-shouldered gown has undergone some minor alterations, with the floral detailing on the shoulder swapped for a sweeping train of material.
The Princess of Wales sent royal fans wild this evening as she appeared to give her husband Prince William a gentle tap on the behind while walking the Bafta red carpet tonight
As the couple arrived at Royal Festival Hall in London this evening, Kate Middleton, 41, and the Prince appeared to exchange a few words, before she leant across and appeared to give his behind a soft tap (pictured)
Kate Middleton looked every inch the Hollywood star as she joined her husband Prince William at the star-studded event at Royal Festival Hall in London tonight
Many royal fans went wild for the moment on social media, with one writing: ‘Oh yes! I saw it!!!’
Another wrote: ‘Oh, my, oh my, oh my yes I did see that. Wow! I couldn’t love those two anymore if I tried. Fantastic.’
A third commented: ‘I see it too! How lovely, actually.’
She added a touch of extra glamour to the look with a set of black opera gloves and a £18 pair of gold Zara earrings.
Tonight’s event marked the first time the couple, who have made it their tradition to attend the biggest night in UK cinema each year, have attended in three years.
William has been the president of Bafta since 2010 and Kate first attended the event with her husband in 2017.
For his outfit, William kept things classic and simple in a double-breasted black velvet tuxedo jacket.
Kate sported glamorous makeup with a pink lipstick and a dark smokey eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion.
After the ceremony, the Princess met with a number of award winners and stars on stage at the venue
The royal mother-of-three spoke with Volker Bertelmann after the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall
Prince William was animated as he chatted with to Peter Baynton, Cara Speller and Hannah Minghella (R) after the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023
The royal shared a laugh with David Bradley as he met with category winners on stage after the event
Kate sported glamorous makeup with a pink lipstick and a dark smokey eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion
The Princess was animated as she spoke with rising star nominees at the event earlier today (pictured)
After the award ceremony, Kate chatted with some of the winners and nominees, including Sheila Atim
The Princess was in good spirits as she met with actors backstage at the awards this evening (left and right)
The Prince of Wales was animated as he spoke with Rising Star nominees Daryl McCormack and Sheila Atim
Kate and William stopped to chat with Naomi Ackie before talking to Christian Thrane (Managing Director of Marketing at BT
The Prince of Wales, who opted for a smart velvet jacket for the awards ceremony, was in good spirits
Kate and Prince William spoke with Christian Thrane (Managing Director of Marketing at BT after the event this evening
The royals were in high spirits as they attended the event this evening, smiling as they chatted with staff at the awards
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who regularly attend the BAFTA awards, chatted with Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA at the event
As the couple attended the event, they spoke with Anna Higgs, Chair of the Film Committee at BAFTA
She has worn Alexander McQueen – one of her favourite fashion brands – on numerous occasions, most notably choosing its creative director Sarah Burton to design her wedding dress.
Kate’s white toga-style gown featured a fitted bodice, cinched waist and flowing floor-length skirt.
The outfit is one she has worn in the past, including to the BAFTAs in 2019, but she has tweaked the shoulder detailing on this occasion to include a train.
It had previously featured a floral detail across the left shoulder.
However Kate’s dramatic opera gloves were a new look for the royal, who hasn’t been spotted wearing a similar accessory before.
However the gloves are the must-have accessory of the year, according to stylists.
Sienna Miller opted for a black lace pair for the Bafta’s last year, while Olivia Rodrigo, Millie Bobby Brown and Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney have also been snapped in opera gloves on the red carpet.
TV and celebrity fashion expert Miranda Holder previously told FEMAIL the accessory has become an essential for any formal occasion.
She explained: ‘Old fashioned Hollywood glamour is the order of the day as celebrities clamour to be the ultimate icons of sophistication following the more sartorially barren two years of the pandemic.
The Princess opted for a pair of black opera gloves for the award ceremony this evening – a look not previously seen on the royal
Kate sported glamorous makeup with a pink lipstick and a dark smokey eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion
The royal couple have made the event an annual date in the diary, however they last attended in 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic brought lockdown to the UK
Once inside, the Princess took her seat alongside Prince William ahead of the beginning of the ceremony
The royal couple chatted to fellow attendees as they waited for the ceremony to begin this evening
‘Now it’s all about making a statement with panache and elegance – and nothing says this better than a pair of opera gloves.’
The Prince, President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and The Princess watched the Awards ceremony and then met with category winners and EE Rising Star Award nominees.
They received a warm welcome as they arrived at the 2023 Bafta awards ceremony and were told of the late Queen’s support for the academy.
William, who is president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta), and Kate shook hands with representatives and spoke about their work at the event in London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.
The couple met Bafta chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, chief executive Jane Millichip and chairwoman of the Bafta film committee Anna Higgs ahead of the ceremony.
They were told how the Queen had been a great ‘supporter’ of the arts, and a pre-recorded feature praising the late monarch’s patronage of the industry was shown to guests during the show.
William told the leaders they were doing a ‘great job’ and nodded as Ms Higgs spoke of how important it was to pursue ‘diversity’ in the industry.
He praised Ms Millichip for handling her position well despite being made chief executive in a ‘baptism of fire’.
During the ceremony, a pre-recorded tribute was paid by Dame Helen Mirren, who played the late monarch in the 2006 biopic The Queen.
William and Kate watched from the centre of the front row as Dame Helen said: ‘Cinema at its best does what Her Majesty did effortlessly – bring us together and unite us through a story.
‘Your Majesty, you were our nation’s leading star.’
The royal couple have made the event an annual date in the diary, however they last attended in 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic brought lockdown to the UK.
In 2018, the couple attended while Catherine was pregnant with baby Louis, and were also guests of honour in 2017.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards are an annual celebration of the extraordinary skills, talent and craft of the film industry.
BAFTA is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally.
BAFTA is committed to identifying talented individuals and making sure they receive professional support and advice that will enable them to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The charity delivers a year round international programme of learning events and initiatives, including scholarships and mentoring programmes.
While Kate dazzled in her gown, Prince William also looked dapper in a bow-tie and black dinner suit which he had also worn before, with a pair of smart black loafer shoes
The Princess of Wales was dazzling in white as she walked the red carpet alongside a host of A-listers at the Baftas tonight
The white one-shouldered gown has undergone some minor alterations since Kate first wore it in 2019 (pictured, in 2019, and right, tonight). The floral detailing on the shoulder has now been swapped for a sweeping train of material
Kate, who is known for her love of high street fashion and affordable jewellery, wore a pair of gold earrings from Zara for the occasion
The Princess wowed in a pair of distinctive gold flower earrings for the occasion – costing £18 from Zara
She sported glamorous makeup with a pink lipstick and a dark smokey eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion
The couple, who have made their appearance at the award show an annual night-out, were cheerful as they walked the red carpet side-by-side
The Prince of Wales was grinning as he waved to royal fans who had lined the red carpet waiting for the couple
As the couple arrived on the red carpet, they appeared to exchange a few words with one another
Date night! The Prince and Princess were in high spirits, beaming with joy as they arrived on the red carpet this evening
Monochrome magic! Kate and Prince William appeared chatty as they arrived on the red carpet this evening side by side
Kate whispered into her husband’s ear as they arrived on the red carpet this evening in London (pictured)
Meanwhile Prince William fixed his bow-tie as the two arrived at the award ceremony in London this evening
The royal mother-of-three waved to royal fans as she arrived at the event this evening in London
The couple’s appearance tonight comes days after the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall made their first joint official visit to the county since taking on their new roles.
William, 40, and Kate, 41, visited the harbour town of Falmouth earlier this month to learn about the area’s heritage at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall before visiting a community centre.
During their visit to the museum’s workshop, they helped those working on the refurbishment of the Kiwi, a 14-foot sailing dinghy which was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a wedding present from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Looking effortlessly elegant, mother-of-three Kate sported a chestnut brown Hobbs coat she first wore on an official engagement in 2012, teamed with matching knee-high boots and a red outfit underneath. William looked dapper in a navy blazer and coordinating jumper.
The Princess of Wales looked particularly thrilled to see her old prep school teacher Jim Embury – who now volunteers at the museum – and greeted him with a hug.
BAFTA FILM AWARDS 2023: THE WINNERS
BEST FILM
Acclaim: Netflix anti-war epic All Quiet On The Western Front
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
The Banshees of Inisherin
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Tar
BEST ACTRESS
First nomination: Ana de Armas is up for Leading Actress
Cate Blanchett (Tar) – WINNER
Viola Davis (The Woman King)
Danielle Deadwyler (Till)
Ana de Armas (Blonde)
Emma Thompson (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande)
Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once
BEST ACTOR
In the running: Austin Butler is up for Best Actor for his portrayal of Elvis
Austin Butler (Elvis) – WINNER
Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin)
Brendan Fraser (The Whale)
Daryl McCormack (Good Luck To You, Leo Grande)
Paul Mescal (Aftersun)
Bill Nighy (Living)
OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
Aftersun
The Banshees Of Inisherin – WINNER
Brian and Charles
Empire of Light
Good Luck to You Leo Grande
Living
Roald Dahl’s Matilda
See How They Run
The Swimmers
The Wonder
OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER
Aftersun (Charlotte Wells) – WINNER
Blue Jean (Georgia Oakley, Helene Sifre)
Electric Malady (Marie Liden)
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (Katy Brand)
Rebellion (Maia Kenworthy)
FILM NOT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
Argentina, 1985
Corsage
Read Related Also: Rescuers sift through debris of pulverized town Rolling Fork after 24 tornadoes batters Mississippi
Decision To Leave
The Quiet Girl
DOCUMENTARY
All The Breathes
All The Beauty And The Bloodshed
Fire Of Love
Moonage Daydream
Navalny – WINNER
ANIMATED FILM
Pinocchio – WINNER
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
Turning Red
DIRECTOR
Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Qua in Everything Everywhere All At Once
All Quiet On The Western Front, Edward Berger – WINNER
The Banshees of Inisherin Martin McDonagh
Decision To Leave, Park Chan-wook
Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
Tar, Todd Field
The Woman King, Gina Prince-Bythewood
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
The Banshees of Inisherin – WINNER
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Tar
Triangle of Sadness
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
Living
The Quiet Girl
She Said
The Whale
SOUND
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Tar
Top Gun: Maverick
BRITISH SHORT ANIMATION
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – WINNER
Middle Watch
Your Mountain Is Waiting
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Angela Bassett (Wakanda Forever)
Hong Chau (The Whale)
Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) – WINNER
Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness)
Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
Carey Mulligan (She Said)
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Shortlisted: Eddie Redmayne is up for Supporting Actor in The Good Nurse
Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees Of Inisherin)
Barry Keoghan (The Banshees Of Inisherin) – WINNER
Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
Eddie Redmayne (The Good Nurse)
Albrecht Schuch (All Quiet On The Western Front)
Micheal Ward (Empire Of Light)
CASTING
Triangle of Sadness got a nod in the Casting category
Aftersun
All Quiet On The Western Front
Elvis – WINNER
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Triangle Of Sadness
CINEMATOGRAPHY
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
The Batman
Elvis
Empire Of Light
Top Gun: Maverick
COSTUME DESIGN
Costume Design: Margot Robbie in Babylon
All Quiet On The Western Front
Amsterdam
Babylon
Elvis – WINNER
Mrs Harris Goes To Paris
EDITING
Sequel: Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick
All Quiet On The Western Front
The Banshees Of Inisherin
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once – WINNER
Top Gun: Maverick
MAKE UP & HAIR
All Quiet On The Western Front
The Batman
Elvis – WINNER
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
The Whale
ORIGINAL SCORE
All Quiet On The Western Front – WINNER
Babylon
The Banshees of Inisherin
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Pinocchio
PRODUCTION DESIGN
All Quiet On The Western Front
Babylon – WINNER
The Batman
Elvis
Pinocchio
SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
Avatar: The Way Of Water is up for Special Visual Effects
All Quiet On The Western Front
Avatar: The Way Of Water – WINNER
The Batman
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Top Gun: Maverick
BRITISH SHORT FILM
The Ballad Of Olive Morris
Bazigaga
Bus Girl
A Drifting Up
An Irish Goodbye – WINNER
EE RISING STAR
Happy: Nominees Sheila, Naomi and Daryl
Emma Mackey (Sex Education) – WINNER
Naomie Ackie (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody)
Sheila Atim (The Woman King)
Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education)
Daryl McCormack (Good Luck To You)
