William & Kate at BAFTAs Amid Prince Andrew Arrest & Succession Debate
Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton made a public appearance at the 79th British Academy Film Awards in London on Sunday, February 22, 2026, just days after the arrest of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York.
The Prince and Princess of Wales walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, marking their first joint appearance at the BAFTAs in three years. Prince William, 43, wore a burgundy velvet jacket, even as Princess Kate, 44, was dressed in a floor-length pink gown, according to reports from the event.
Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was subsequently released without charge pending further investigation. The arrest follows the recent publication of documents linking him to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and has prompted scrutiny of his past associations.
King Charles issued a statement on Thursday expressing his “deepest concern” regarding the allegations against his brother. He affirmed his support for a “full, fair and proper process” of investigation and stated, “the law must take its course.”
The royal family has continued with scheduled public engagements in the wake of the arrest. In addition to King Charles’s appearances at audiences and London Fashion Week, Queen Camilla attended a concert in London, and Princess Anne carried out a previously scheduled visit to a men’s prison.
Sources indicate that the U.K. Government is now considering legislation that could remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, currently eighth in line to the throne, once the police investigation is complete. No senior members of the royal family have been arrested in recent history, making this a uniquely sensitive situation for the monarchy.
Prince William and Princess Kate previously broke their silence on the Epstein files earlier this month, with a palace spokesperson stating they were “deeply concerned” and their “thoughts remain focused on the victims.” No further public comments have been made by the Prince and Princess regarding the Duke of York’s arrest.
The couple’s attendance at the BAFTAs, an event they have long supported, came after Prince William attended the ceremony solo in 2024 while Princess Kate underwent cancer treatment. They last appeared together on the BAFTA red carpet in 2023.