BAFTA Awards 2021: Prince William Decides To Skip The Prestigious Awards Ceremony Post Grandfather Prince Philip's Death

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh passed on April 9, 2021 aged 99. Following his death, reportedly, Prince William decided to give BAFTA a skip and be with his family. Prince William is the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010. Every year, he attends the prestigious awards ceremony along with his wife and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. This year, considering BAFTA awards took place virtually, Prince William was set to deliver a speech. However, he skipped the event due to his grandfather's death.

As per a statement released by BAFTA, "In light of The Duke of Edinburgh's passing, The Duke of Cambridge will no longer be part of BAFTA programming this weekend. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy at this time." Reportedly, Prince William was supposed to deliver speeches on both the days of the event that took place on April 10 and April 11. In 1959, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed as the first President of BAFTA.

Post Prince Philip's death, Buckingham Palace had released a statement that read, "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle." Reportedly, Queen Elizabeth II has gone into eight days of mourning post her husband's demise. Prince Harry will reportedly attend Prince Philip's funeral solo.