Prince William and Princess Kate were noticeably absent from this year's BAFTAs as they were on holiday at the time that the show was filmed back in February.

Filming of the star-studded annual event, which was filmed at London's Royal Festival Hall, took place when the royal couple were holidaying with their three children in the Caribbean island of Mustique. Kensington Palace confirmed on February 10 that although Kate and William wouldn’t be in attendance, the future King would be in a "video package" mid-show. It is the second year running that Kate, 43, had missed the event. Although William was in attendance, Kate was forced to miss last year's event because it took place as she was recovering from abdominal surgery.

Back in January, the Daily Mail reported that the BAFTAs had been "pulling out all the stops" and "throwing everything at securing" Kate's presence on the red carpet this year.

A source said: "It sent her warmest wishes when she revealed her cancer diagnosis and hopes she will appear alongside William in what will be her big showbiz return since she's been in recovery.

"Anything Bafta can do to work around Kate, it will do. William and Kate love to watch the nominated films beforehand and we know Kate enjoys meeting those working in the film industry.

"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."

Film committee chairman Anna Higgs had even said she was "very hopeful" Kate would attend.

Known to be huge fans of film, the couple last attended the BAFTAs together in 2023.

During the filming of this year's BAFTAs, Kate, William and their children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis - are thought to have been joined by Carole Middleton in Mustique.