Best photos from Prince William and Kate Middleton's starry night at the BAFTAs

The couple added a touch of royal power

kate middleton white baftas
Ainhoa Barcelona
Ainhoa BarcelonaRoyal Managing Editor
Updated: February 10, 2019
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in a black tuxedo, walks with a woman in a white gown on a red carpet.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a starry night at the BAFTAs on Sunday, adding a touch of royal power to the ceremony. William, who is President of BAFTA, was joined by his wife Kate at the Royal Albert Hall. Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie, Olivia Colman and Rami Malek were among the stars who donned their gladrags for what is dubbed the biggest night in the British film calendar.

The celebrity guests started arriving at the venue from 4pm, but the red carpet went into shutdown mode when William and Kate made their grand entrance just before 7pm. The royals were welcomed by BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry, who escorted the couple to their seats inside the stunning London landmark.

Kate, who has attended the BAFTAs twice before, including once when she was pregnant with Prince Louis, pulled out all the stops for her glitzy night out. See the best photos...

A woman in a white gown with one shoulder exposed, holding a clutch, walks on a red carpet.

The Duchess looked incredible in a one-shouldered white gown by her go-to designer, Alexander McQueen. The dress featured a floral motif on the shoulder and ruffled detailing. Kate actually wore the dress to Prince Charles' 70th birthday dinner last November, but in hot pink.

MORE: All the best dresses from the BAFTAs red carpet

Kate Middleton smiling, wearing a white dress with floral details and pearl earrings.

Kate had her hair styled up into an elegant chignon and opted for natural makeup, accentuating her pretty eyes with a smoky look.

MORE: Get the latest updates from the BAFTAs ceremony here, including the winners!

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, walks beside a woman in a white gown on a red carpet.

The royals were in high spirits as they arrived at the Royal Albert Hall, walking the red carpet in style.

MORE: Robbie Williams' daughter Coco pictured for first time with siblings

Diana, Princess of Wales in a white gown and tiara, next to another woman in elegant attire.

Kate borrowed a pair of Princess Diana's exquisite earrings for the glitzy night out.

Kate Middleton, wearing a white gown and silver clutch, smiles at the camera surrounded by photographers.© Photo: Getty Images

The dress was made especially for Kate by one of her favourite designers.

A woman in a white gown with floral details stands on red carpet, a man in a black suit beside her.© Photo: Getty Images

A closer look at the back of Kate's bespoke gown.

A woman in a white gown walks on a red carpet, surrounded by photographers.© Photo: Getty Images

Kate's gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choo 'Romy in Viola Glitter' shoes.

A woman in a white gown and a man in a black suit walk on a red carpet at an awards event.

How gorgeous did the mum-of-three look tonight? We love the intricate up 'do!

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, walks with two women on a red carpet at an event.© Photo: PA

The royals were welcomed by BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry.

Prince William and Kate Middleton smiling at an event, wearing formal attire.© Photo: Getty Images

The couple were attending their third BAFTAs together.

Prince William and a woman in a white gown walking on a red carpet.© Photo: Getty Images

William cast a watchful eye over Kate as she walked up the steps in her Jimmy Choo heels.

A woman in a white gown and a man in a black suit walk down a red carpet at an awards event.

Another shot of Kate's incredible dress.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, walks with Kate Middleton and another woman at an event.© Photo: PA

Once inside, the Duke and Duchess were announced as guests of honour. The audience stood and a respectful hush descended upon the venue as William and Kate made their way down the steps.

WATCH VIDEO of William and Kate's very quiet arrival

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, walks with a woman in a white gown at an event.

The royals giggled as they headed to their seats, noting the silence.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in a black tuxedo, sits next to a woman in a white gown at an event.© Photo: PA

The royals were given some of the best seats in the house, sitting front row close to the stage.

Prince William and Kate Middleton smiling at an event, he in a tuxedo, she in a white gown.© Photo: PA

"It's so quiet!" Kate laughed as they settled into the seats.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in a black tuxedo, presents an award to a woman in a black feathered gown.© Photo: Rex

As President of BAFTA, the Duke presented the Fellowship award to Ms Thelma Schoonmaker. The award is the highest accolade bestowed by the Academy to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. Past recipients include Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine, Judi Dench and Helen Mirren.

Joanna Lumley and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, applaud Thelma Schoonmaker at an awards ceremony.© Photo: Rex

William stood alongside Cate Blanchett and host of the night Joanna Lumley as Thelma Schoonmaker accepted her award.

Olivia Colman, in a white dress, converses with another woman at an event.© Photo: Rex

After the ceremony, the royal couple stepped on stage to meet with the award winners - here's Kate having a chat with The Favourite's Olivia Colman, who is of course playing the Queen in the upcoming new series of The Crown.

Two women in elegant evening gowns converse at a formal event, surrounded by other guests.© Photo: Rex

She also chatted with her co-star Rachel Weisz.

Prince William and a woman in a white gown stand with Dermot O'Leary, all smiling.© Photo: Rex

Both Kate and William looked very happy to catch up with Dermot O'Leary, too. 

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