Awkward Prince Andrew Joke at BAFTAs Resurfaces Ahead of 2026 Ceremony
As the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards prepare to return this weekend, a cringe-inducing moment from the 2020 ceremony has resurfaced, capturing public attention once again. Actress and comedian Rebel Wilson made a controversial joke about Prince Andrew directly in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were seated in the audience, and the clip is now circulating widely online.
The Infamous 2020 BAFTA Moment
During her hosting duties at the British Academy Film Awards in 2020, Rebel Wilson took to the stage at London's Royal Albert Hall and delivered a series of awkward allusions to royal scandals. While presenting the Best Director award to Sam Mendes, she referenced both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, joking about topics that were dominating headlines at the time.
"Good evening distinguished guests and those that don't identify as that. It is really great to be here, at the Royal Andrew... Royal Harry... no, sorry, Royal Phil- at this royal... palace place," Wilson quipped, stumbling over her words in a moment that elicited a ripple of laughter from the star-studded audience.
Cameras swiftly panned to Prince William and Kate, who were spotted looking up at her from the front row, their reactions captured for all to see. This uncomfortable gag has gained renewed relevance as Prince Andrew faces ongoing scrutiny over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Context of Prince Andrew's Controversies
At the time of Wilson's joke in 2020, Prince Andrew had recently stepped back from royal duties following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis. In that 2019 conversation, he denied sexual allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, claiming he had "no recollection" of meeting her and was instead at a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughter on the alleged date.
Prince Andrew described his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein as "useful" for business prospects but expressed regret for staying at his house. Fast forward to November 2025, King Charles III officially stripped Prince Andrew of his titles, including "Prince," "Royal Highness," and "Duke of York," amid the ongoing controversy.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The resurfaced joke has sparked mixed reactions from viewers and royal watchers. Some labeled it as "cringe" and "disgustingly unfunny," expressing sympathy for Prince William and Kate having to represent their family at such a public event while facing awkward commentary.
However, others praised the moment, with one viewer commenting, "Three cheers for the producer who cut to William and Kate after Rebel Wilson's Prince Andrew and Harry joke." This highlights the divisive nature of humor targeting the royal family during high-profile ceremonies.
Additional Uncomfortable Moments at the 2020 BAFTAs
It wasn't the only awkward incident for the royal couple that evening. When Margot Robbie ascended the stage to accept Brad Pitt's award for Best Supporting Actor on his behalf, she took another swipe, reading from his acceptance speech.
"Brad says he is going to name this Harry because he is really excited about bringing it back to the States with him. His words not mine," she quickly clarified. This time, Kate and William were spotted laughing in their seats as cameras panned to them, showing a more lighthearted response compared to the Prince Andrew joke.
Prince William's Role at BAFTA
Prince William has served as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, taking over from Lord Attenborough. In this capacity, he and Kate, the Princess of Wales, regularly attend the annual BAFTA Film Awards to support the industry, meet nominees, and present awards.
Their presence at these events often puts them in the spotlight, making moments like Rebel Wilson's joke particularly poignant as they navigate representing the monarchy amidst ongoing family controversies. The resurfacing of this clip ahead of the 2026 ceremony serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between entertainment and royal protocol at such prestigious gatherings.
