Kate Middleton makes ‘symbolic’ move with bold gesture during BAFTAs

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards ceremony on Sunday (22 February), with a fashion expert claiming the latter made a 'symbolic' move with a bold gesture on the night.

For the occasion, Kate opted for a pink Gucci gown she had previously worn in 2019 to the 100 Women in Finance dinner gala, while William donned a white shirt paired with black trousers, a purple velvet jacket and a black bow tie to complete the ensemble.

Kate wore her hair in bouncy waves with a smoky eye and glowy base make-up to pair.

Following the BAFTAs, Kirsty Dale, the owner of Red Carpet Ready, told The Mirror that the princess showed 'pure romantic elegance' with her choice of outfit.

According to the expert, Kate's get-up was 'not just a style statement', but it signalled 'a symbolic return to the spotlight for the Prince and Princess after a period away from public engagements and a difficult week for the royals'.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the BAFTAs on Sunday (Scott Garfitt / Contributor / Getty Images)

"Ethereal tones are the colour story of the season, and Kate absolutely nailed this - epitomising it beautifully in her choice of dress. She never puts a foot wrong on the red carpet, and today is no exception. The soft palette works perfectly with her hair, creating a seamless, glowing finish," Kirsty praised.

She gushed that Kate was 'accessorised to perfection' with chandelier earrings and a diamond bracelet, which the expert reckons were 'likely historic pieces from the royal collection'.

"The look feels both timeless and intentional. She consistently shows understated regal poise: effortless yet refined," Kirsty added, noting that Kate delivered 'a masterclass in tonal sophistication' at the BAFTAs.

Kate donned a pink Gucci gown for the special occasion (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

William and Kate posed for red carpet snaps and chatted to representatives from BAFTA and the Southbank Centre before taking their seats in the star-studded auditorium for the awards ceremony.

While on the red carpet, the couple whispered a few words to each other, and a lip reader claims to have decoded the moment, according to The Mirror.

Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the publication that Kate allegedly said to her husband: "Look at the people!" before eagerly waving at them and saying: "Hey!"

William then apparently told Kate to 'watch your step' as they made their way inside for the ceremony.

An expert said Kate's appearance signalled 'a symbolic return to the spotlight' (Scott Garfitt / Contributor / Getty Images)

Towards the end of the show, William got on stage to present the BAFTA fellowship award to NBCUniversal’s chair of entertainment, Dame Donna Langley, for her outstanding contribution to film and television.

He said: "Her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership have brought some of this century’s most iconic films to the big screen and to audiences around the world.

"She has championed films that have shaped culture, and is responsible for some of our most beloved franchises."