Kate Middleton dazzles at BAFTAs in heirloom Greville chandelier earrings alongside Prince William

LONDON, ENGLAND: After a three-year hiatus, Kate Middleton and Prince William made a highly anticipated return to the BAFTAs, stepping out to celebrate Britain’s biggest night in film. For the occasion, the Princess of Wales rewore a custom chiffon Gucci gown in soft lilac tones, a romantic design first seen in 2019.

Her appearance comes just months after her first red carpet outing since her cancer diagnosis at the Royal Variety Performance, marking only her second major public appearance since completing treatment.

Kate Middleton dazzles in pink gown at 2026 BAFTAs with Prince William

On Sunday, February 22, Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall. 

The appearance marked their first time attending the annual ceremony together since 2023. For the evening, the Princess of Wales chose a sweeping, off-the-shoulder gown crafted from flowing panels of pink in varying shades. A burgundy belt cinched her waist, coordinating with Prince William’s velvet tuxedo jacket, while a matching clutch completed the tonal look. She wore her hair in soft, glamorous waves.

The Princess of Wales accessorized with the historic Greville Chandelier Earrings, created by Cartier between 1918 and 1929.

The earrings were bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother by Dame Margaret Greville in 1942 and later became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who wore them throughout her reign. She paired the statement earrings with Queen Mary’s diamond choker bracelet.

Kate Middleton first debuted the heirloom jewels at the 2023 wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan and most recently wore them to the Royal Variety Performance.

Kate Middleton marks her second public appearance since arrest of Andrew

Kate Middleton’s appearance was more than just a return to the BAFTAs red carpet. It also marked her second public outing since the arrest of former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. A day earlier, the Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at a rugby match.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have not released their own statement about the arrest. However, they are understood to support the message shared by King Charles III, who said in part that the law must take its course and that it would not be appropriate to comment further while the process continues.

At the time of the arrest, the Wales family were reportedly at their home, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham Estate, about six miles from Wood Farm, where Prince Andrew has been living.

Although they did not comment on last week’s events, in early February the couple addressed the ongoing scandal surrounding convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, their spokesperson said the Prince and Princess were deeply concerned by the continued revelations and that their thoughts remain with the victims.

The spokesperson shared, "The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”