Prince William faced questions about his mindset at the 2026 BAFTA Awards as controversy plagues the royal family due to his disgraced uncle, ex-Prince Andrew‘s recent arrest.
While attending the ceremony with Kate Middleton, the Prince of Wales admitted he is not in the right headspace to watch the emotional film “Hamnet.”
As investigations unfold and public scrutiny intensifies, Prince William has backed King Charles’ call for due process as investigations into Andrew’s links to late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, continue.
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Prince William Admits He ‘Needs To Be A Calm State’ As He Skips ‘Hamnet’ At 2026 BAFTA Awards
William offered a candid glimpse into his state of mind following the arrest of his uncle, Prince Andrew, last Thursday.
The Prince of Wales attended the 2026 BAFTA Awards with his wife, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, where he was asked about the film “Hamnet,” which won Best British Film at the ceremony.
The historical drama explores the grief of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway after the death of their young son.
William, 43, admitted he has yet to watch the film, explaining that he is not currently in the right headspace.
According to the Daily Mail, he said, “I need to be in quite a calm state, and I am not at the moment,” adding that he “will save it.”
Kate, however, shared that she had already seen the movie and found it deeply moving.
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“I thought it was a bad idea, actually,” she joked. “Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic.”
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Prince William And Kate Middleton Stepped Out in Style, As Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest Intensifies Royal Scrutiny
Despite the unfolding controversy within the royal family, the couple presented a polished appearance on the pink carpet.
Kate wore a blush-toned Gucci gown, while William opted for a burgundy velvet evening jacket by Giorgio Armani paired with black trousers. They smiled for photographers as they arrived at the event.
The Wales’ outing came days after Andrew was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former Duke of York was reportedly questioned for 11 hours before being released.
The allegations involve claims that he forwarded confidential trade documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Insider Claims The Monarchy May Not Move Forward Until ‘Andrew Goes To Prison’
Investigations could reportedly extend further, with UK authorities potentially seeking warrants to examine electronic devices and offices connected to Andrew, including spaces he occupied at Buckingham Palace.
A royal insider suggested that the situation may not fully settle until legal proceedings conclude, adding that some believe the monarchy may only move forward “if Andrew goes to prison.”
They added: “Truly, things can’t move on until we get a new reign [when Prince William is King], during which we might get a honeymoon period.”
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King Charles III Expresses ‘Deepest Concern’ Over Prince Andrew Arrest As Pressure Mounts On Prince William
In response to Andrew’s arrest, King Charles III issued a statement through Buckingham Palace expressing “deepest concern” and emphasizing support for a full and proper investigation by the relevant authorities. William and Kate are understood to back the king’s position.
Earlier this month, the Prince and Princess of Wales also addressed newly released files related to Epstein, stating through a spokesperson that they remain “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” and that their “thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
However, as developments continue to unfold, the situation is reportedly placing increasing pressure on William in his role as future king.
One longtime acquaintance of the prince suggested that while “William might be the changemaker the country needs, he won’t want it forced on him in this way.”
With growing public scrutiny surrounding the monarchy, expectations for accountability have intensified.
Still, others close to the royal household have urged restraint. One source emphasized that although the allegations surrounding Andrew are serious and troubling, they should not be seen as reflective of the institution as a whole.
According to the source, “one individual’s grave wrongdoing does not define the entire Royal Family, nor does it diminish the countless contributions they have made to our nation.”
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Prince William Has Also Distanced Himself From Prince Harry, Royal Insider Claims
Meanwhile, William has reportedly created a greater distance between himself and his brother, Prince Harry, further straining a relationship that has remained fractured for six years.
The claim comes from Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and onetime footman to Queen Elizabeth II.
In his new memoir, “The Royal Insider,” Burrell reflects on his decades of service within the royal household and offers his perspective on the brothers’ ongoing divide.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Burrell suggested that the separation between William and Harry is more significant than the public may realize.
According to him, the Prince of Wales’ future role as king requires a different level of caution and control.
“I think William has distanced himself from Harry a lot more than people realize,” Burrell said. “Because William’s path is very different from Harry’s. As he gets nearer and nearer to the throne, which will be in a few years, he has to remain isolated. He has to be in a world that is very tight and protected.”