Prince William will be attending the Baftas on Sunday to present an award to Vanessa RedgravePresenting a prestigious award to an avowed republican is probably not what Prince William had in mind for his latest royal milestone.
However he is due to honour actress Vanessa Redgrave with the Academy Fellowship at this year's Baftas in London on Sunday.
It is the first time William has agreed to take part in a high profile awards ceremony.
The Baftas Fellowship recognises outstanding contribution to film.
Redgrave, who lost her daughter - Natasha Richardson - in a skiing accident last year, won a best supporting actress Oscar in 1977.
Although she is part of showbusiness royalty, Redgrave is an avowed republican and has, in the past, called for the abolition of the monarchy.
In the 1970s she was heavily involved with The Workers' Revolutionary Party and has also firmly rejected all offers of an honour from the Queen.
She was, however, once seen curtseying to William's late mother, Princess Diana, after receiving an award from her and praising the royal for her work with Aids orphans.
The Royal Family has a long Baftas association. The Duke of Edinburgh was its first president and profits from the 1959 documentary Royal Family helped build its London HQ.
Current president Sir Richard Attenborough says he is a 'stop gap figurehead' until a 'suitable' royal can be found.
A spokesman for William said he had agreed to attend the Baftas because film was 'such an important British industry'.
Redgrave will receive the Academy Fellowship - recognising an individual's outstanding contribution to filmA St James's Palace spokesman added: 'The prince was honoured and delighted to be asked because it’s obviously an immensely powerful organisation which represents one of Britain’s most successful industries.'
William, who will not be accompanied by his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton, will wear black tie and brave the red carpet before meeting key industry figures and former award winners inside the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
The evening will be something of landmark moment for the future king as it is the first time he has agreed to take part in any high-profile awards ceremony - let alone one that is televised to millions of viewers around the world.
Film industry moguls hope his appearance will give the Baftas a huge boost in its efforts to better Hollywood’s Oscars night.
Both William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, 25, are increasingly taking on more high-profile engagements.
Last month William carried out his first official foreign tour on behalf of the Queen to New Zealand while Harry recorded a video message for Wednesday night's Brits awards ceremony.
Although some commentators questioned why Harry took part in the broadcast as there is, historically, no link between the Royal Family and the often controversial music industry event, aides said he wanted to pay tribute to the BRIT Trust's charitable activities.
Last year the Duchess of Cornwall attended the Classical BRITS.
source: dailymail
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