I’M NOT IN A CALM STATE - PRINCE WILLIAM SPEAKS CANDIDLY AT 2026 BAFTAs. (PHOTO).

 I’m Not in a Calm State - Prince William Speaks Candidly at 2026 BAFTAs

Under the bright lights of London’s Royal Festival Hall, Prince William offered a rare glimpse into his state of mind.

The Prince of Wales, 43, attended the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales. 

While speaking with reporters on the red carpet, William acknowledged that he has not yet watched Hamnet, explaining that he needs to feel settled before taking in such an emotional story.

“I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.

Kate, 44, had already seen the film the night before. She admitted it left her teary eyed ahead of the couple’s first BAFTA appearance in two years. 

“I thought it was a bad idea, actually. Ended up with very puffy eyes,” she said with a lighthearted tone. 

"She praised the cinematography and the score, calling it beautifully done, and added that she and William still have “a long list of films” they plan to watch together.

Their red carpet outing came just days after William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested in connection with allegations of misconduct in public office.

In a statement released Thursday, February 19, Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed that an investigation had been opened following what he described as a thorough assessment. 

Authorities said they are working to protect the integrity and objectivity of the inquiry and will provide updates when appropriate.

The BBC reported that investigators are examining claims Andrew may have shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. 

Epstein d!ed in 2019 while in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Andrew was later released from custody.

William and Kate do not plan to issue a public statement regarding the matter. 

King Charles III, however, addressed the situation directly. In his remarks, he said he had learned of the news with “the deepest concern” and emphasized that a full and proper investigation would follow, adding that authorities have the family’s full cooperation.

For William, the evening was meant to celebrate film and creativity. Yet his brief comment about needing calm suggests that, even amid tradition and ceremony, the weight of recent events is close at hand.