BAFTA president Prince William is too lazy & thin-skinned to attend this year’s BAFTAs

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Prince William is a terrible BAFTA president. He was appointed to the honorary position in 2010, likely because the BAFTA presidency was seen as something sparkly and fun for work-shy Willy. He doesn’t do “serious” or “time-consuming.” He was given something where he would only have to show up once a year to the BAFTAs, and maybe once or twice throughout the year to premieres of British productions. He has never been able to manage that heavy workload of two or three British Academy events a year. He’s only done a handful of BAFTA-related events over the years, he’s NEVER attended the pre-BAFTA dinner held in the Kensington Palace compound the night before the BAFTAs, and he’s skipped the BAFTA ceremony several times over the years. From 2010 to 2016, William only attended the awards show twice, and he skipped the show in consecutive years (2015 & 2016). Lazy as f–k.

Last year, William did attend the BAFTAs and he brought along his dull, mean-girl wife. There was a lot of awkwardness throughout their appearance, as several of the speeches seemed quite pointed about lack of diversity and colonialism. William also tried to hype the idea that he was making a big “speech” about racism and diversity in the British film industry but it went over like a lead balloon. So now work-shy William is refusing to go to this year’s ceremony.

Prince William will not attend the Baftas in person next month — after he was the target of jokes at last year’s bash. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, who is president of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts, will make a video speech for the Royal Albert Hall event. Hosts attending include Clara Amfo and Dermot O’Leary on April 10-11.

But the Sun on Sunday can reveal that William will stay away for the first time since his appointment in 2010.

It comes after William had a pop at the lack of diversity in the nominations in his speech at the ceremony in February last year. Last year, Wills and wife Kate, 39, looked visibly annoyed by the barrage of jokes aimed at the Royal Family. Luvvies hosting the event are expected to make jokes about Will’s brother Prince Harry and Meghan’s recent bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. We approached Buckingham Palace for comment.

[From The Sun]

“The Sun on Sunday can reveal that William will stay away for the first time since his appointment in 2010…” A lie. BAFTA President Other Brother has skipped the ceremony in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and now 2021. Past time for the British Academy to replace his lazy ass. I also think Baldingham the Thin-Skinned doesn’t want to hear any more “jokes” or “speeches” which hit too close to home. Poor baby was desperate for a diaper change after last year’s ceremony.

(All that being said, it seems like a good possibility that William was asked to stay home because of limits on the awards ceremony in a pandemic, you know? Still, I bet he didn’t want to go to the BAFTAs anyway.)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Photos courtesy of WENN, Avalon Red.

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78 Responses to “BAFTA president Prince William is too lazy & thin-skinned to attend this year’s BAFTAs”

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  1. Elizabeth Regina says:

    After the glorious dragging he received this weekend, this might be a wise move on his part. The arts do not like him.

    • ArtHistorian says:

      After last year’s show I immediately knew that he wasn’t going to attend this year. It was a very awkward experience for him and there was at least one story that said he was incandescent with rage because he didn’t get the due he felt he was owed as an HRH (the sources were unnamed so take that with a grain of salt).

  2. Bettyrose says:

    I would be a great patron for BAFTA. Pick me! Pick me!🙋🏻‍♀️

    • Grey says:

      I was just thinking what a FUN part of the job that would be. My goodness. Getting to dress to the nines, go and enjoy a celebration night, and rub elbows with some famous people. I would find it immensely enjoyable.

    • MerryGirl says:

      I vote for Bettyrose…at least we’ll get an attractive President who will show up every year.

  3. Cecilia says:

    Considering they toured the UK despite the pandemic and despite government officials stating that they wanted to couple to stay at home, i doubt he isn’t going because of the pandemic. That being said, UK is this your future king? A whole man baby.

  4. Lori says:

    Altogether too bad they dont have a POC or an Actor in the family.

  5. Tiffany says:

    I think he stopped going because the one time he decided to show up at the KP event, Kate Moss put him on blast and asked where Cannot was.

    Also, yes Jaoquin Phoenix did not play with that speech and if I did not know any better, he looked in Willnot and Cannot’s direction.

    Also, there are quite a few Black actors who are projected to win and I can bet cash money he does not want one bit of Daniel Kaluuya’s smoke during Daniel’s speech.

    • Becks1 says:

      There was also the winner who made the comment about taking some of the gold back home where it came from. That was super awkward for William, i”m sure, especially now as more and more people are calling the BRF out for their stolen loot.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        That was Taika Waititi if I remember correctly.

      • MissMarierose says:

        And there was Brad Pitt’s comment (as read by Margot Robbie) that he was going to name his statue “Harry” because he’s taking it with him to America.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Oh this is the first I’ve heard that Kate Moss put him on blast – what was said apart from asking where Top CEO was?

      I remember the story where he whinged that celebs don’t want to work with him – can’t remember if it was before or after the event with Lady Gaga.

      • Tiffany says:

        It was a conversation they were having and her words were picked up. It was Kate being Kate (that woman does not have a filter) and saying something along to lines of them barely being there and living so close, you might as well bring your wife. I don’t remember the exact words but it was good because everyone else at the event were being quiet about the obvious.

      • February-Pisces says:

        I think rose Hanbury made kate moss the god mother of her daughter. So they must be quite close. So I’m guessing Kate moss knows all the details about rose and Willie.

      • L84Tea says:

        Ooooh, February-Pisces, THAT is a very interesting tidbit. I had no idea Kate Moss was that close to our girl Rose. Oh my, that is some delicious tea!

        BayTampaBay, where are you? Did you know this??

      • February-Pisces says:

        @L84tea yeah I saw a pic from the christening of rose’s youngest daughter with Kate moss in it, saying that she was godmother to the baby. I can’t find any more details regarding their friendship. I think rose is very well connected.

      • bettyrose says:

        This is gossip gold! CB comment threads are the best.

    • Mac says:

      Unlike most of the events the royals attend, they are not the center of attention at the BAFTAs and are fair game. William isn’t used to be criticized to his face and he can’t take it.

      • Amy Too says:

        But I was SO LOOKING FORWARD to it this year! I wanted to hear the deafening silence as they walked in (again). I wanted to see them squirm as people called them out and talked about racism, and colonialism, and the way Meghan was treated.

      • bloemheks says:

        Reminds me of Trump not attending Correspondence Dinner. No sense of humor. Can’t take a joke.

    • HeyJude says:

      Jaoquin is staring daggers at and looks like he’s ready to jump and throttle William in the pics above, it’s f’n hilarious. He really is not playing around with these royals.

      I’m surprised he didn’t steal a bunch of tea and dump it in the Thames before he jetted out.

      (He’s on the left above their shoulders if you’re looking.)

      • MerlinsMom1018 says:

        I love Joaquin Phoenix!!!! I would watch him just sit and look at the phone book…

      • bettyrose says:

        @MerlinsMom1018 –

        I think Joaquin is a great actor and I’d see something just cuz he’s in it, but I don’t find him especially interesting to look at. I feel bad about that given that I can still lose myself in pictures of his brother from decades ago.

      • Tiffany says:

        @bettyrose. Yes on River.

        He just had….all of it.

  6. Becks1 says:

    He is so freaking lazy and thin-skinned. Guess no one was willing to sign his little morality clause or whatever.

    • Persephone says:

      I must have missed it, what morality clause?

      • Becks1 says:

        Sorry, “moral clause” not morality lol. Something about making sure that William and Kate were given “due reverence” and not made of fun during the awards show, because they are giving their “time and support.” I dont think we ever got it confirmed that it was true, but just the idea of it made them look really bad IMO.

        https://www.celebitchy.com/651238/the_duke_duchess_of_cambridge_were_displeased_with_all_the_bafta_jokes/

      • Lemons says:

        @Becks1, I wouldn’t doubt it. I guess he is finally starting to understand the none of the attendees of the BAFTAs care about him or his wife, and they are all well-connected enough to know what’s going on behind the scenes. He should gracefully step down from his honorary position as President if he doesn’t want to do the job of being a figurehead.

  7. Lorelei says:

    Lmao, this is the first smart thing he’s done in a while. He and Kate got such a poor reception last year, so imagine what it would be like this year? Yikes.

    It reminds me of Trump refusing to go to the White House Correspondent’s Dinner at all during his four years in the WH; he couldn’t even handle mild jokes about him when he was just a guest.

    Actually, the smart thing to do might be for William to shake off the criticism, go to the event, and laugh along at some of the jokes about the BRF so people can see that he has a sense of humor and can laugh at himself every once in while; that he doesn’t take himself so seriously. I think I might have a *tiny* shred of respect for him if he took that approach. But we know he doesn’t have it in him.

    Funny how he’s all about “Duty!” until it comes to an event he simply doesn’t feel like going to for personal reasons, so he skips it.

  8. clomo says:

    I am loving Joaquin’s stink eye at William.

  9. RoyalBlue says:

    Let’s not forget the awkward silence when they went in 2019. compare that with the rock star greeting the Sussexes always receive.

  10. line says:

    The funniest thing for a person who wants to prove how racist he isn’t, miss the Bafta this year was completely idiot because this year the Bafta 2021 are more diverse than ever before.

    • Tiffany says:

      Daniel and Jaoquin’s faces in that last photo when they were there says it all.

      • Myra says:

        Daniel’s face is the face I would make if I ever had to greet the pair at an event. It’s like he knew they had been up to no good.

      • TabithaD says:

        Daniel’s face! He looks so unimpressed. And the man behind him (is that Sam Mendes?) is trying to force a smile but not quite managing to squeeze it out.

  11. I pet goat 2 says:

    The side eyes in the pictures of them walking in 😂lol

  12. WithTheAmerican says:

    Ignoring real people has worked so well for them for so long. Here’s hoping that’s over.

  13. February-Pisces says:

    His appearance last year was a joke. But I’m surprised he’s skipped the BAFTA’s before, considering he and keen love mingling with celebs. His racism speech last year was completely overshadowed by Joaquin Phoenix who’s speech was 1000x more genuine. Plus the joke from brad Pitt via Margot Robbie, seemed to piss him off. The thing is celebrities probably don’t kiss his ass as much as he would like, and I’m guessing that industry is well aware of all their dirt and gossip and know the Keens ain’t sh*t.

    If you look back at all their bafta entrances it’s deadly silent, literally no one makes a sound. It’s very awkward. I think last year they added music, just so it wouldn’t be so awkward. Also I’ve seen clips of the Keens walk the red carpet and fans are also silent, literally no cheering or anything. They don’t know how to excite people.

    • Lady D says:

      They knew how to once. I remember when they came to Canada on their honeymoon, the crowds were massive and everyone was so happy to see them. I was happy they chose here and excited that they were coming. I knew little about William and I thought good for Kate, she got her prince. My how times change.
      When the happy couple landed in Calgary, they were met of course by the mayor and entourage. He had a pair of white cowboy hats for William and Kate as was the tradition when greeting guests of the Calgary Stampede. The Stampede is huge, it brings in over a million people each time, guests from all over the world and drops about $150 million into Alberta’s economy. Kate and William refused to put the hats on at the airport, even after gentle encouragement. It was a little embarassing for the mayor. They did show up in the hats later in the afternoon when they attended the rodeo though.
      I believe that was also the same airport where she flashed all of us when leaving.

      • L84Tea says:

        I remember that. She couldn’t put her hat on till she had the whole get-up to go along with it–cowgirl boots, skin tight jeans, giant belt buckle and all.

      • Jay says:

        Lady D, I remember that! And it’s true, pretty much everyone looks silly wearing it, it’s kind of tradition. Former PM Harper had a hilarious photo of him in a giant white hat and a tiny vest that gave me great joy.

        But then…you don’t attend the Calgary Stampede as an honoured guest unless you’re willing to put on the #$&@ hat. Who knows if it was bad staff work (any advance person would have told them to just wear the damn things to avoid offense) or, more likely, an overall humourlessness. I think if you have the kind of demeanor and charisma that makes Stephen Harper look fun, you probably shouldn’t be sent on international goodwill tours.

      • Nic919 says:

        Yes when Stephen “charisma vacuum” Harper looks fun compared to you, you are doing things very wrong.

        Already by the second Canada visit they were far worse. Kate had bitch face and was practically ignoring Trudeau at the airport greeting and they refused to eat the food made by the Yukon hotel they stayed at. They ordered pizza instead.

        People wanted to see the kids, but beyond that I think far fewer people went out of their way to see them.

        I should add it’s pretty bizarre that they were so hesitant to wear a cowboy hat which was rude to the locals, but had no problem being carried on thrones in Tuvalu.

      • Lorelei says:

        @Lady D, yes, it used to be so different, back when they were first married. I remember reading that invitations to an event they were at in LA were so coveted, and Reese Witherspoon was open about how excited she was to meet them. Nicole Kidman was there too IIRC.

        Now? I doubt they’d draw a crowd or any A-listers. Interest had already been waning since they’re so dull and we barely ever even see them anyway, but after the way Meghan was treated, I don’t think most celebrities would even want to be seen with the Cambridges. Not only were they disgustingly racist, but the way that many in the UK made it sound as if the facts that she was “American” and “an actress” were vulgar slurs…the popularity of the entire family went way down. Then after the Oprah interview, they were *done.*

        The US is decidedly pro-Sussex. I think most American celebrities would be embarrassed to be seen with them at this point. It’s Harry & Meghan that everyone wants to meet now.

        If William and Kate brought the kids, that might help a little. People would probably be more excited to see them. But I don’t think they’ll ever draw massive crowds here ever again. (If anything, I wouldn’t be shocked if there were protests if they come to NYC!)

  14. Amy Bee says:

    Is the BAFTAs going to be in person? Because it’s virtual, all William had to do is submit a video of his speech. He’s not even doing a video message?

  15. LightPurple says:

    Why does the Sun think it can get away with such a flagrant lie? He has rarely attended in his 11 year stint in the position.

  16. TheOriginalMia says:

    Edward & Sophie would do a better job supporting BAFTA than the lazy FF duo. These two don’t give a hoot about the entertainment community other than to shine a spotlight on them, the perks of rubbing elbows with stars and appearing in movies under cover.

    • Sid says:

      I’ve always thought this should have gone to Edward as he seems to genuinely love the arts. No doubt he would have attended the pre-event dinners.

  17. toni says:

    He’s like Trump in lot of ways.

  18. Keri says:

    You know they’ll continue to skip if any of Harry and Meghan’s documentaries for Netflix get nominated in the future. I’ll be laughing my butt off though if they ever do decide to show up to compete with the Sussexes. The wild applause the Sussexes would get with that crowd vs the usual “crickets” the Cambridges get would be funny as hell to watch.

  19. booboocita says:

    It cracks me up that so many in those event photos above aren’t smiling or even bothering to look at the couple. Contrast that with H&M’s last events around last year’s Commonwealth celebration, where the Royal Marines were all smiles and the kids at the school Meghan visited cheered. I still love that photo where Meghan was leaving a church (not the Commonwealth celebration — it was something else) and the choirboys were lined up outside with giant grins. “Coulda had a bad bitch,” indeed.

  20. Jess says:

    I never understood why he’s president of BAFTA anyways? He literally has nothing of interest that crosses with it.

  21. Jaded says:

    Once again, Captain Chickenshit and Duchess Bone Idle fail their patronages. They’re probably glad he’s not showing up so they can REALLY roast him.

  22. Jay says:

    Too afraid of the potential for the camera to catch him in the same shot as legit bald hotties like Jason Statham or Patrick Stewart. Obviously!

    Truly though, attending an annual event (held in your own backyard) at least once a year seems like the lowest possible bar, and yet…

    Also, if you want to seem like a modern statesman, wouldn’t you want to be seen hobnobbing with high profile people who could help support your causes?

    • Coco says:

      I hope they roast him. “It’s a good thing the Duke of Cambridge didn’t show up tonight. The winners would have forgotten their speeches and dropped their awards on their feet because they’d be mesmerized by his world-class sexy baldness. That’s why we can never invite Putin.”

  23. L4frimaire says:

    Wow, he really did not do much with this patronage, barely turned up. Ok, what exactly is a “ luvvie”? Sounds like a furry, but that’s weird. Are they actually doing in person, or a combination of Zoom and a few principles in seats. Based on the award shows that have actually happened so far this year, they’ve all seemed dull and not worth watching. Not surprised this guy William is skipping it since they think all actors do is lie and are acting 24/7 because Hollywood is so evil and anyone who works there is too dishonest to even read a weather report according to some stalker troll. I really don’t like that dress Kate wore last year.

    • TabithaD says:

      “Luvvie” is a UK term for actors, I think originally based on old school, overly theatrical and effusive actor types who all called each other “lovey”. It’s commonly used now and is seen as gently poking fun rather than insulting. Though I don’t suppose actors themselves really like it.

    • February-Pisces says:

      Yep, it’s also worth noting that the British right wing press love to use the term ‘luvvie’ as a way to have a dig at liberal ‘woke’ actors. Like ‘how dare these rich famous actors say racism is bad’ kinda way.

  24. Liz version 700 says:

    Lord he is thin skinned. Thank god he will never actually be running the country like his ancestors.

  25. My3cents says:

    I’m assuming his video message will probably get counted as “work” on his end of the year numbers. Pathetic.

  26. Lilly (with the double-L) says:

    I would love to have seen this year’s version of their reception. Why won’t they think of the little people? Oh wait, I know why. Although we did have the blessing of the sexy baldy thing blow up.

  27. Jumpingthesnark says:

    Since one of the fave smear points of the BRF/ British tabs against Megan is that she is an actor and thus a low class liar, yes I suppose it would be awkward for FFK/FFQ to have to go to an event where it is entirely composed of that group. Jason should have thought of that, whoopsie……

  28. Carabella says:

    That dress was serious overkill. W&K should have been honoring the award winners and attendees, not vice versa.

  29. Elizabeth says:

    And this is one of the many problems with male primogeniture. It does not result in the most qualified, most competent, or even most likable person being given the godlike powers of the monarch (or even the curtailed powers of today’s monarchy). It results in painful mediocrity at best. (With the occasional Henry V.)

  30. Victoria says:

    It will only be better if everyone shouts out Harry and Meghan for being awesome in spite of their fake ass family.

  31. blunt talker says:

    The British media, the British aristocracy, and the British royals demeaned Meghan for having worked in Hollywood-Just about every article written about her has mentioned her career in the arts and entertainment.

  32. Leni says:

    God, and this is what I was looking forward to the whole year honestly! What a bitch, but not surprised.

  33. Lizzie says:

    IIRC Bill and Cathy were peeved they did not get any applause when they entered. He will probably never attend in person again.

  34. Robin says:

    He won’t go for various reasons. His real fear will be layers of pointed comments about racism, but his latest superficial fear is that they’ll make a joke about being the sexiest bald man, as a sort of comment they feel they can get away without being overly critical.

  35. Pat says:

    The Cambridge’s are simply lazy. The people that are involved with the BAFTA awards already realize who and what the Cambridge’s are and represent. It’s probably Not seen as a glorious moment in having them attend

  36. No glamour and excitement in the BAFTAS night with William and Kate around. Brad Pitt named his trophy “Harry” and William gnashed and gritted his teeth as he clapped. Kate, as usual, faked a laugh and reluctantly clapped her hands.