The BAFTA Awards, a prestigious event in the world of film and television, took place at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
The evening was filled with famous faces from the industry, gathering to celebrate their achievements.
One of the highlights of the night was Dame Helen Mirren’s heartfelt speech dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022.
Taking the stage to present the tribute, Helen emphasized the long-standing relationship between BAFTA and Her Majesty.
She acknowledged the Queen’s unwavering support, stating that BAFTA wouldn’t be what it is today without her patronage.
Over the years, Queen Elizabeth supported more than 50 cultural organizations, and in 2013, she herself received a BAFTA in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the film and television industries.
Helen eloquently expressed how cinema, at its best, has the power to bring people together and unite them through storytelling.
As a clip played to support her speech, a voice recording of the Queen resonated throughout the hall.
Her Majesty’s words highlighted the importance of artists in showcasing diverse cultures and our shared humanity.
In her closing remarks, Helen addressed Queen Elizabeth as the nation’s leading star, expressing gratitude on behalf of BAFTA for all she had done for the film and television industry.
Richard, another attendee, added his appreciation, thanking Her Majesty for her immense contributions.
The camera panned to the audience, capturing Prince William and Kate Middleton applauding the speech, visibly moved by Helen’s kind words.
However, some viewers interpreted Helen’s speech as a subtle dig at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Meghan, who had recently returned to her birthplace after leaving the UK, seemed to have received a less-than-warm welcome.
Last year, Celia Walden, wife of Piers Morgan and a renowned novelist, shared her perspective on Meghan’s relationship with the Queen.
She claimed that Meghan had made a crucial misstep by forgetting that the entire United States holds great affection for the Queen.
Walden, speaking from her home in LA, explained how she expected people to be protective of Meghan in America.
However, she observed that instead, Meghan had become a subject of mockery and ridicule.
The author referred to a joke made by Rebel Wilson during this year’s BAFTA Awards, which received unanimous laughter from the audience.
Walden believed that Meghan and Harry had unintentionally become figures of ridicule, which she believed would be deeply upsetting to Meghan.
Adding to the criticism, US TV host Megyn Kelly labeled Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as an international laughingstock, attributing the situation to their own actions.
The couple had recently denied rumors of planning to sue the satirical show South Park over its portrayal of them.
Kelly stated that South Park was not responsible for the negative opinions surrounding the couple.
She further emphasized that their real problem lies in the fact that they have become a subject of mockery worldwide, for which they have no one to blame but themselves.
As the BAFTA Awards celebrated the best in the film and television industry, Helen Mirren’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth II brought both reflection and controversy.
While the event honored the achievements of talented individuals, it also shed light on the challenges faced by public figures like Meghan and Harry, who find themselves under constant scrutiny.