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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

BAFTA offer 'deepest sympathies' to Prince William as he withdraws from awards appearance

BAFTA has released a statement offering its 'deepest sympathies' to the royal family after Prince William cancelled his appearance at this weekend's awards ceremony.

The Duke of Cambridge is in mourning following the death of his grandfather Prince Philip - who was BAFTA's first ever president - on Friday.

William, the current president, was due to feature heavily this year, but Kensington Palace confirmed he will not be making his appearance and speech as planned.

Following the Palace's announcement, Bafta said in a statement: "In light of the Duke of Edinburgh's passing, the Duke of Cambridge will no longer be part of Bafta programming this weekend.

Prince William was set to deliver a speech (Getty Images)

"Our thoughts are with the royal family, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy at this time."

Prince William was set to deliver a speech celebrating the resilience of the film industry over the past year amid the global pandemic.

In a pre-recorded conversation with costume designer Jenny Beavan and make-up artist Sharon Martin, the trio were to talk about filming in lockdown and the craft of film-making.

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

William was due to speak on Sunday via video, but now will not make an appearance.

Television and radio stars Edith Bowman and Dermot O'Leary will host BAFTA this year, with all nominees will be joining the ceremony virtually.

Awards presenters will include Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sophie Cookson, Phoebe Dynevor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hugh Grant Tom Hiddleston, Felicity Jones, James McAvoy and Jonathan Pryce.

Appearing from LA will be Rose Byrne, Andra Day, Anna Kendrick and Renée Zellweger.

The royal family's BAFTA visit in 2019 (AFP/Getty Images)

The Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99, became BAFTA's first president in 1959.

A statement issued by the palace just after midday on Friday spoke of the Queen's devastation following his death at Windsor Castle.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband," the Palace said.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he "inspired the lives of countless young people".

Reports state his funeral is likely to take place on Saturday April 17, with details expected to be confirmed this weekend.

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