All eyes were fixated on the red carpet outside the Royal Festival Hall as the Prince and Princess of Wales graced the 2023 BAFTAs with their presence.

After enjoying a well-deserved break during the February half-term with their children, William and Kate made a dazzling return to their royal duties.

The couple’s arrival at the BAFTAs was nothing short of spectacular.

William exuded elegance in a sleek black velvet tuxedo designed by Tom Ford, while Kate looked absolutely stunning in a reworked Alexander McQueen one-shoulder gown, complemented by striking black opera gloves.

This Grecian-style gown had previously been worn by the Princess at the 2019 BAFTAs, featuring delicate floral detailing on the shoulder.

Cornelia James, a renowned glove-maker, crafted Kate’s exquisite opera gloves, and she completed her ensemble with a Jenny Packham clutch.

Adding a touch of sparkle, Kate accessorized with a pair of £17.99 floral and rhinestone detail earrings from the popular High Street brand, Zara.

Her makeup featured a shimmering smokey eye, enhancing her natural beauty.

Sunday marked the couple’s first appearance at the BAFTAs since 2020.

Unfortunately, William had to cancel his attendance last year due to the passing of his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh.

In 2021, both William and Kate were unable to attend in person due to prior commitments, with only William making a virtual address.

However, this year, they were back in full force.

Since 2010, Prince William has held the position of BAFTA President, and in 2017, Kate joined him at this star-studded event for the first time.

During the evening, notable winners included Kate Blanchett for leading actress, Austin Butler for leading actor, and “All Quiet on the Western Front” for best film.

The couple had the opportunity to engage with Anna Higgs, chair of the film committee at BAFTA, as well as Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA.

They discussed the late Queen Elizabeth II’s support for the arts, and a special tribute to her patronage of the industry was showcased to the esteemed guests.

As they took their seats in the front row at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank, William couldn’t help but hold back tears when Dame Helen Mirren paid a heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.