Prince William and Princess Kate’s ‘tension’ at BAFTAs spotted after Andrew arrest

William’s uncle Andrew was arrested last week

Prince William and Kate Middleton may have delivered their trademark red carpet polish at the 2026 BAFTAs – but according to a body language expert, there were subtle hints that all is not entirely calm behind palace doors.

It’s been an undeniably dramatic period for the royal family following the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal. Last week, William’s uncle Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The precise details of the allegations remain unknown. He was released hours later under investigation.

Despite the headlines, it was business as usual for William, 43, and Kate, 44, who stepped out together at the BAFTAs for the first time in three years.

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However, one expert believes the strain of recent events may have quietly followed them onto the red carpet.

An expert noticed their lack of touch (Credit: SplashNews.com)

William and Kate make BAFTAs appearance

On Sunday (February 22), the BAFTAs were held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, drawing a host of famous faces – along with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Kate turned heads in a purple Gucci gown, her glossy brunette hair styled in soft, bouncy waves. William complemented her look in a burgundy velvet suit, appearing every inch the future king.

Yet beneath the glamour, body language expert Judi James suggested there were ‘tells’ that hinted at tension.

Speaking to HELLO!, she said: “William and Kate delivered their usual, impeccable red carpet A-list glamour here, but there are a handful of tells that might reflect the undeniable tensions of the past week.”

The couple showed signs of tension apparently (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince and Princess ‘anxious’ at BAFTAs

Judi noted that the couple walked side by side with their “arms hanging loose at their sides”.

She suggested there may have been a “desire” to clasp hands in support, as they have done at previous BAFTA appearances. Instead, she observed that William’s right hand showed his index finger touching his thumb, which she described as potentially indicating a self-soothing gesture.

The future king was also said to display moments where “his lips are pulled inward and his brows pulled into a small frown,” which Judi suggested could point to anxiety.

As for Kate, Judi maintained: “Kate’s smiles are as impeccable as usual, although there is a very slightly edge-to-edge placing of the teeth, which again could signal inner tension.”

Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested?

On February 19, 2026, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The exact nature of the allegations being investigated has not been disclosed.

He was released hours later under investigation. Scrutiny has intensified over Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the recent release of millions of files relating to the disgraced financier.

Andrew has been accused of sharing sensitive and confidential information with Epstein regarding h

is official duties as a UK trade envoy. Under official guidance, trade envoys are required to maintain confidentiality over sensitive commercial or political information linked to their visits.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. His arrest is not an indication of guilt and no charges have been brought.

He served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. In 2010, he allegedly forwarded official trade visit reports to Epstein, according to the released files.