Prince William confirmed earlier this week that he and his wife, the Princess of Wales, would be missing this year's BAFTAs, which take place on Sunday.
However, the Prince of Wales supported young filmmakers on Wednesday as the father-of-three visited the London Screen Academy and even got behind the camera. The royal rode on a tracking dolly to help the students capture shots during his visit to the academy in Highbury, London. When asked if he might join a future production, William joked: "I might need a bit of practice!"
During his visit, the royal met with representatives from BAFTA and the LSA board, where they discussed industry opportunities for young people. "It feels as though a lot of people don't know that they can be in the film industry," William mused, saying that the "film star essence… is so distant from reality."
William also toured one of the academy's hair and make-up studios, where he was trained to apply prosthetics to make it look like there was a scar on his hand.
© Getty ImagesSince 2010, William has served as the president of BAFTA, having succeeded actor and director Sir Richard Attenborough.
The royal has attended several BAFTA ceremonies, but it was confirmed this week that he would be absent from the next awards ceremony. William has never attended the event two years in a row, so the absence isn't entirely unsurprising.
© Getty ImagesThe 42-year-old didn't attend in 2021 due to his grandfather Prince Philip's passing, while in 2022, he wasn't present due to "diary constraints."
Controversial Baftas triumphs
© Dave Benett/Getty Images for BAF1998
Shakespeare In Love star Judi Dench won best-supporting actress despite her fleeting screen time and strong competition from stars of Elizabeth, Saving Private Ryan and The Truman Show.
2004
Another contested award was for Bill Nighy who won best supporting actor for his role as washed-up rocker Billy Mack in Love Actually (Christmas film fans may disagree that the awarding was questionable).
2005
A mostly forgotten film, My Summer Of Love bombed at the box office but surprisingly took home the Bafta for Best British Film.
2006
Leaving Mr Darcy fans heartbroken, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of The Were-Rabbit triumphed over Joe Wright's much acclaimed adaptation of Pride & Prejudice in the Best British Film category.
2014
In the same year Woody Allen was accused of sexual abuse, his film Blue Jasmine was up for three awards: Best Original Script, Cate Blanchett for Best Actress and Sally Hawkins for Best Supporting Actress.
2020
A troubled year for the awards due to their perceived lack of racial and gender diversity (the directorial nominees were all male) leading to the #BaftasSoWhite trend.
2021
Noel Clarke won the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema category but his triumph was short lived as Bafta suspended both his membership and the award after 20 allegations of sexual harassment were made against him.
2024
There was outcry when Andrew Scott received no nominations for his widely lauded performance in All of Us Strangers yet costars Paul Mescal and Claire Foy did.
Last year, William made a solo red carpet appearance while his wife, Princess Kate, continued to recover at home following her planned abdominal surgery.
© Getty ImagesIt hasn't been confirmed why the royal couple will be absent from this year's ceremony; however, the date does coincide with the start of the half-term break. The Wales family often enjoy spending private time together, whether at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, or on a fun family trip.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Doctor Who star David Tennant, take place at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in central London on Sunday 16 February.
