Wholesome behind-the-scenes photo of Prince William and Catherine laughing uncovered from the Baftas

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 24/02/2026

- 22:01

Updated: 24/02/2026

- 22:04

The sweet picture was taken in an elevator

A wholesome photo of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been snapped in an elevator during the Baftas.

The couple were in attendance for the event as part of the Prince of Wales's role as President of the organisation.


Royal photographer Andrew Parsons took the behind-the-scenes picture of the backstage area at the event.

The image showed the future king and queen smiling and laughing while in an elevator.

Prince William, Princess of WalesThe wholesome photo showed William and Catherine smiling in an elevator | ANDREWPARSONS

The pictures were not shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales on their social media, who joined several A-listers at the event.

It was the first public appearance as a couple since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

William was nearly in tears at the Baftas before he took to the stage at the awards ceremony.

The Prince of Wales heard British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware perform at the ceremony as she sang the In Memoriam song.

Prince William

The Prince of Wales was nearly in tears before giving his speech

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GETTY

In an emotional performance, Ms Ware sang a fantastic rendition of Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were.

As she concluded her performance, the camera cut to the Prince of Wales, who appeared visibly moved.

William held back tears as he clapped the performance with watery eyes.

Not long after, the prince took to the stage, delivering a speech as part of his role as President of Bafta, where he presented the Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, Chair of NBC Universal Entertainment.

Prince William

The Prince of Wales gave a well-delivered speech at the awards

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GETTY

Speaking to the audience, William said: "Good evening. The Bafta Fellowship is an honour given in recognition of an exceptional contribution to film. And tonight's recipient is quite simply that: exceptional.

"Her determination and commitment have driven her to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry. She was the first British woman to run a major Hollywood studio, and is now Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment.

"Her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century's most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world. She has championed films that have shaped culture and is responsible for some of our most beloved franchises.

"And in amongst all of this, Dame Donna Langley has maintained a strong commitment to inclusion and mentorship, founding initiatives to widen access to careers in the screen arts and supporting women in leadership. This work is crucial.

Prince WilliamWilliam with Dame Donna after presenting her with the Bafta | GETTY

The prince continued: "Dame Donna has also been a tireless advocate for British talent abroad, ensuring our storytellers, performers and creators are seen, supported and celebrated on the world stage.

"Our creative industries are one of this country's greatest strengths, and I will continue to celebrate and support the talent that makes them shine globally in my role as President of BAFTA.

"Dame Donna's impact at NBCUniversal and on the film industry is significant.

"She is a shining light to all those starting out in the creative industries, showing that anything is possible."