Prince William and Kate Middleton attend 2026 BAFTAs amid Prince Andrew arrest
Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the 2026 BAFTAs just days after the arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III.
The couple stepped out together at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, marking their first joint appearance at the ceremony in three years.
Though they have long supported the event, they last walked the BAFTA red carpet together in 2023. The couple did not attend in 2024, when William appeared solo and later said he wished his wife could have joined him as she underwent cancer treatment.
During Sunday's outing, William, 43, wore a burgundy velvet jacket, while Kate, 44, complemented his look in a floor-length pink gown as they walked the red carpet side by side.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released without charge under investigation.
The couple's appearance comes as other members of the royal family have continued public engagements following Andrew's arrest.
Just hours after the news broke, King Charles held audiences and appeared at London Fashion Week, while Queen Camilla attended a concert in London. Princess Anne also carried out a previously scheduled visit to a men’s prison.
Following the arrest, the U.K. government is considering legislation that could remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession once the police investigation concludes, ABC News learned Friday. Andrew is currently eighth in line to the throne. No senior members of the royal family have been arrested in recent history.
Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on Thursday follows the emergence of documents detailing communication between Andrew and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has previously denied wrongdoing with respect to Epstein's crimes.
In a statement issued Thursday, Charles said he had learned "with the deepest concern" of the allegations.
"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities," he said, adding that they have his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation."
"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," Charles continued. "As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
