The Prince of Wales took his seat in the front row of the Bafta film awards ceremony in his first high-profile royal engagement since his wife’s operation.
William, who is president of the arts charity, made his way down the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday wearing a black bow tie and navy velvet suit jacket, waving to cameras and stopping to chat and take selfies with a few members of the public.
He made apologies for Kate’s absence at a short meet and greet before taking his seat.
From the red carpet, the prince was escorted through the venue by Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip before meeting a group of organisers just outside the entrance to the auditorium.
Speaking with Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre, he made apologies for his wife’s absence, saying she loves the Bafta film awards.
He told Charlotte Moore, chief content officer at the BBC, that he “loved” Oppenheimer, for which Cillian Murphy is nominated in the best actor category.
William then moved into the auditorium to take his seat in the front row next to Australian actress and Earthshot Prize council member Cate Blanchett, whom he greeted warmly.
Also sat in the front row of the 2,400-seat auditorium were actors Michael Sheen and Richard E Grant, as well as Saltburn director Emerald Fennell.
