William and Kate Middleton, Prince and Princess of Wales, surprised everyone with their appearance at the 79th BAFTA Awards, held this Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The evening marked the couple's return to one of the most emblematic events in British cinema, in a complicated family context for the Crown. The Princess of Wales, popularly known as Kate Middleton, dazzled on the red carpet in a sophisticated pastel pink Gucci gown. Beside her, the Prince of Wales opted for a modern yet elegant look, sporting a burgundy velvet jacket paired with a black bow tie. Despite the media attention, the couple walked the carpet without stopping to speak to the press, heading directly inside the venue. Once inside, the princes had a cordial meeting with the organizers and discussed the nominated films, according to Variety. A Royal Presence in Difficult Times. The Welsh royals' attendance at the BAFTAs was not confirmed until the last minute, due to the recent problems affecting the royal family. Their presence takes on special significance considering that last year William attended alone while his wife recovered from abdominal surgery, which was later revealed to be related to a cancer diagnosis. The last time they had been seen together at this gala was in 2023. The decision to attend also came just days after the arrest of William's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Sources close to the royal household indicate that, despite the scandal—for which Mountbatten-Windsor could face life imprisonment if convicted—the family chose to maintain their schedule of public engagements as normal. King Charles II also did so at London Fashion Week, as did Princess Anne at an official event.