The BAFTAs have a new president, and it is not a movie or television star. Instead, it is the young man who would one day be King of the United Kingdom, Prince William. The 27 year-old Prince made his debut as president of the Orange British Academy of Film Awards on Sunday at the Royal Opera House in London. William worked the red carpet, shaking hands with fans before giving a speech to open the ceremony.
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“I am so grateful to Lord [Richard] Attenborough for inviting me to take over from him,” the Prince said, referring to the actor who suffered from a serious head injury in 2009. William wished he was well enough to attend the BAFTAs.
“The visual arts are such a vital part of what makes up the fabric of this nation,” the Prince went on to say. “Britain has been a world leader in so many ways, not least in its cultural achievements. From the days of Shakespeare to our own Shakespeare in Love, British playwrights, script writers, actors, film makers and now video game designers have led the way globally, if not always in terms of resource then undoubtedly in talent and innovation.
“From what we are about to see tonight, it is quite clear that the same extraordinary cultural dynamism that so infused the first Elizabethan age still drives the beating heart of British visual arts in this second Elizabethan era.”
Prince William then went on to describe the royal family’s links to the BAFTAs, which goes back a ways.
“My grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, was there right at the start, presiding over that exciting time which saw the coming together of the British Film Academy and the Guild of Television Producers and Directors,” he said. “He was followed as president by Lord Mountbatten, who in turn handed over to my aunt, the Princess Royal.”
“So now perhaps you can see why I feel this is such a privilege for me – and I will do my level best to live up to my illustrious predecessors.”
William added: “Occasions such as tonight are obviously wonderful showcases for the British film industry, but I am also extremely excited about the prospect of working with Bafta on its myriad charitable endeavours.
“Because what is less known about this wonderful organisation is how much good it does for young people with its mentoring schemes, career starter initiatives and learning and events activity across the country.
“So, thank you for all you do to support the genius of film. Thank you for asking me to become your fifth president.
“It is a very great honour.”
With that, the Prince sat in the audience with the rest of the nominees and watched the ceremony.
One of the tasks he did as President of the BAFTAs was giving a lifetime achievement award to actress Vanessa Redgrave – who is a republican and a longtime critic of the royal family.
But Redgrave had nothing but kind words to say about William’s father, Prince Charles, saying “I would like to say, your Royal Highness, how much I admire your father for his intelligence, humility and kindness.”
She also mentioned having the pleasure of meeting his mother, the late Princess Diana.
Prince William said coming to Australia was a “realization of a dream.” Judging from his three days spent Down Under, it appears it certainly was for the 27 year-old Prince.
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On Wednesday, he enjoyed a hip-hop performance at a teen center, shot guns on a military firing range, and had another barbecue this time with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He joked with the Prime Minister of getting a second-home in the country.
“I have had the most warm welcome ever – not just with the weather, but with all Sydney people,” William explained.
On Thursday, William went to Melbourne to see firsthand the devastation the 2008 wildfires caused in the area. He met with some families who were made homeless by the devastation and were pleased to be visited by royalty.
“It’s an honour, it’s not every day that royalty comes to walk on your lovely block of land,” said Diane Fox, adding that William’s visit would lift spirits and help the healing process.
AFP/POOL/David Crosling
Later, William went to an official reception which in a way ended his three day visit to Australia. He gave a little speech about his time in the country, and how his mother, the late Princess Diana, often told him about her travels Down Under.
He also spoke about when his father was kissed coming out of the sea by an unknown woman in Perth in 1970s.
“My father had such a great time here at school – and is still misty-eyed about an immortal moment on Bondi (beach), when an Australian beauty planted a smacker on his cheek.”
He added: “It’’s good to see this tradition is continuing.”
What William was referring to was the several woman who kissed or tried to kiss him as he greeted the large crowds gathered to see him.
The Prince went on to that Australia was “truly a country for the 21st century”.
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“What has struck me during this visit to the southern hemisphere is what shared heritage actually means. It really is about core values and our way of life,” William added.
“It really is about humour and decency and it is also about courage and an ability to face down adversity.”
After the reception, William then stopped by the Australian Open tennis tournament. He watched as tennis great Roger Frederer beat his opponent, and later met with such players as the Williams sisters. Afterward, the Prince took an overnight flight back to the U.K.
The media has been analyzing this official visit from all angles. Some say it has sparked an interest in the monarchy in both Australia and New Zealand. Others have complained about it being too casual, using Prince William flipping burgers at several BBQs as an example.
Even so, the Prince displayed a lot of charm reminiscent of his mother, and that apparently is what pleased many people who came to see him during his tour.
Britain’s Prince William enjoyed the remainder of his New Zealand trip these last few days, before heading west to Australia on Tuesday as he continued his tour of the Oceania region. He attracted enthusiastic crowds while in the Kiwi nation, met with Maoris, and opened the country’s new Supreme Court building in Wellington.
Upon arriving in New Zealand’s capital to open the building, William was greeted by an eight foot deep crowd – and a group of anti-monarchists. But that didn’t seem to bother the Prince who shook some of their hands during a walkabout.
At the new Supreme Court, he was welcomed by Chiefs of the local Te Atiawa tribe who said hello in the traditional Maori way – a hongi, or by pressing noses together. William was then given a Maori cloak before entering the building.
During his speech to officially open the place, the Prince took the time to mention Haiti by saying, “How much the people of Haiti are in our thoughts and prayers at this terrible time.”
Later in the day, he went to Kapiti Island near Wellington, where he saw a Kiwi, a flightless bird that is New Zealand’s national symbol.
Afterward, Prime Minister John Key hosted a barbeque where the Prince donned an apron as he helped flip the burgers.
On Monday, William did his last engagement in the country by going to a Wellington hospital to visit sick children. When he was told his interaction with the children was reminiscent of his mother, the late Princess Diana, he refused to think he was “anywhere near her level”.
“I just go and meet people and just enjoy their company … I really enjoy it, I get a buzz out of it. Seeing kids smile means a lot to me.”
AP Photo/Dan Himbrechts, Pool
And with that, William headed to neighboring Austrlia, a place he hadn’t been to since he was an infant as his parents toured the country. He was greeted by a group of Aborigines, wearing body paint and holding smoky gum leaves as part of the welcoming ceremony.
“We’re over the moon that he’s come to this part of the city to spend time with us,” said Aboriginal Australian Lewis Kelly who went to Sydney’s poor Redfern area to see Prince William.
“I was surprised when I heard it on the grapevine that he was coming here to see the indigenous people, the real Australians.”
William went on to go to a community center where the Aborigines presented him with a 1937 petition to his great-grandfather King George VI asking for help in finding and returning the head of indigenous warrior Pemulwuy.
“I said Pemulwuy was a mighty Aboriginal warrior. It’s part of our history and a lot of our history is not acknowledged,” elder Marlene Cummins said.
“He was really interested. When he talks to you, he really talks and when he listens, he really listens. That’s what I love about this boy.”
After the meeting, William was given a brief tour of the Sydney skyline.
The British monarchy is struggling with popularity Down Under. At the same time, recent polls found most Aussies want William to become King over his father when Queen Elizabeth II passes away.
To describe Prince William’s first 24 hours in New Zealand as eventful is an understatement. The British royal’s day was full of engagements, ranging from sports to Maori traditions.
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First, the Prince took a tour of a construction site for Eden Park, a national rugby stadium to be opened in 2011. It will also be the location of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. William met with the members of the All Blacks rugby team, plus some young inspiring rugby players. Back in the UK, he is the vice royal patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Next on the Prince’s agenda was another sporty engagement. He was given a special sail through Auckland harbor on board a 79-foot ex-America’s Cup yacht, NZL40, with its crew in tow. William got a chance to helm the yacht for a short while. New Zealand won the 1999 – 2000 Cup.
Lastly, the future King got a chance to experience a traditional Maori cookout. At the Governor-General’s residence in Auckland, there was a hangi, or a feast with food cooked using hot stones in the ground.
So far, Prince William has been leaving a good impression on those who met him Sunday. The captain of All Blacks, Richie McCaw, had this to say about the Prince:
“It can’t be easy being in the position he’s in, but he handles himself amazingly well. Underneath all that stuff he has to deal with, he’s just a genuine bloke you can have a yarn with.”
AP Photo/NZPA, Phil Walter
The Prince even took some time to answer reporters’ questions. He told them he hopes to emulate his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in her royal standards when it comes to official visits.
“I want to be able to do something good and keep the standards up that she has led the way with,” he said.
When questioned if he expected to undertake more tours on behalf of the Queen, William didn’t give anything away.
“We’ll wait and see. I wouldn’t get too carried away. I’ve still got a lot of training to do, and I need the training, believe me.”
Rather, the Prince had nothing but praise for the country.
“I just love seeing everyone and seeing more of New Zealand, so it’s great.”
This is actually William’s third visit to New Zealand. His first trip was as a nine-month old when his parents took a long official visit to the country and Australia. He came again in 2005 to represent the Queen at war memorials, and to follow the touring British and Irish Lions rugby team.
One thing that has been noticable during this tour is the lack of crowds. Much like his father and stepmother’s visit to Canada recently, few have turned out to see Prince William. One Australian news crew actually created signs, reading “We Love Will” for the rare person looking to get a glimpse of the royal.
Prince William began his two-day official visit to New Zealand Sunday morning local time. With little fanfare, he was greeted by Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Anand Satyanand at the Auckland International Airport. New Zealand is the first stop on the Prince’s five day tour of the Oceania area. An Australian visit is set for Tuesday.
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This tour is meant to give the second-in-line to the British throne a chance to get to know the two countries. It also may be an opportunity to reignite interest in the monarchy in a place where calls for a republic are growing ever louder.
On Sunday, Prince William will go to Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland where he will meet the team All Blacks. He will also hear about plans for next year’s rugby World Cup.
William will also experience a traditional Maori “hangi” meal cooked in a pit in the ground.
The Prince’s visit is largely informal. He himself requested there be no bowing or curtseying, as is wont to happen when there’s a royal present.
The New Zealand and Austrlian visit is Prince William’s first overseas tour representing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Britain’s Prince William received his RAF wings today, with those closest to him cheering him on. William recently completed a year long course in becoming a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, something that has been a dream of his for while.
AP Photo/Marc Giddings, pool
The Prince and brought his father, Prince Charles, and stepmother Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to the ceremony. Also there was William’s longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton and her family. Cameras caught the couple chatting and Kate rubbing her boyfriend’s back right before the ceremony began.
The award ceremony, taking place at RAF Shawbury at the Defense Helicopter Flying School, lasted 30 minutes. It was William’s father who gave the wings to him.
Next for the Prince will be another training course in Wales beginning later this month. But first, he will travel to Australia and New Zealand for an official tour starting next week. I will keep you posted on that as the tour might demonstrate what sort of future the British monarchy has Down Under.
AP Photo/Marc Giddings, pool
To see a clip of the loving couple together, click here
Monday was a busy day for Prince William. He was in Lincolnshire for a total of three visits – one to a hospital, another to a school, and then finally the Royal Air Force in Coningsby.
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In the morning, William went to St. Barnabas Hospice with his aunt, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, elder sister to the late Princess Diana and who is the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. The Prince spent over a hour talking to patients, staff members and volunteers a the Hospice. He even stopped by its art class to meet with more patients, who are suffering from terminal illnesses.
Next, Prince William – this time without his aunt – went to Eresby School to open its Life Skills Centre. Eresby is an institution for children with learning disabilities. It is also the first school in the UK to earn specialist school status in Cognition and Learning.
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During his visit, William unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit. He also met with staff members, the students and their parents. One boy, named Darren Pearty, sat in his lap and gave the future King a big hug.
In the evening, the Prince went to the Royal Air Force base in the area as Honorary Air Commandant.
Today at London’s National Portrait Gallery, an historic portrait of royal brothers Princes William and Harry was unveiled. Done by Nicky Philipps, the 54in by 58in oil painting depicts the two in military uniform, having a conversation before a supposed big event.
Press Association
Prince William is shown wearing a blue sash and star of the Order of the Garter and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal, while Prince Harry is depicted wearing his Golden Jubilee medal for serving in Afghanistan.
The brothers sat for Miss Philipps several times in her studio before she went to Clarence House to fill in the backround.
While many are impressed with how the painting turned out, not all are thrilled.
According to the Daily Mail, David Lee, editor of the satirical art magazine Jackdaw, said: “I think it’s pretty awful. It’s terribly amateurish and looks like something from a provincial photographer’s studio. I think our Royal Family are being done a huge disservice. It is intolerable that they are being made to sit for such amateurs. In days gone by they would have been painted by the likes of Holbein and Velasquez. Nowadays we have Nicky Philipps. I beg your pardon, but who?”
Luckily, London Evening Standard critic Ben Luke disagreed, saying the portrait “captured the princes’ affection for each other and managed to marry the tradition that comes with being a member of the Royal Family with being modern young men.”
The young man who will one day be King of Great Britain, spent a night in London’s alleyways to better understand the plight of the homeless. Prince William did this for the homeless charity, Centrepoint, which he is patron of.
Centrepoint Handout via AFP
The Prince, along with Seyi Obakin, chief executive of Centrepoint and a few others, slept near the Thames River on cardboard boxes as temperatures fell to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus zero Celsius).
“I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London’s streets night after night,” William said after his experience.
“There was no shielding from the bitter cold or the hard concrete floor or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a good kicking,” Obakin explained. “One of the hairiest moments occurred when we were almost run over by a road sweeper which simply didn’t see our small group huddled together, which just goes to show how vulnerable rough sleepers are.”
Prince William once said he does not want to be a royal “ornament” and spend his time cutting ribbons. He also added that he wants to make a difference in people’s lives.
The person who most likely influenced William’s focus was his mother, the late Princess Diana. She was a patron of Centrepoint before her 1997 death, and often brought William and his brother Harry to visit the homeless to see the other side of life.
“Poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency and family breakdown cause people to become and then stay homeless. I hope that by deepening my understanding of the issue, I can help do my bit to help the most vulnerable on our streets,” the Prince said.
Tuesday evening, British royal brothers, Princes William and Harry, attended the Sun Military Awards to pay tribute to the UK’s servicemen and women. The star-studded event was held at the Imperial War Museum, and was hosted by The Sun newspaper.
William told the troops it was “a privilege and an honor” to wear the same uniform as them.
“This country is blessed with its Armed Forces,” the future King said in a speech.
“These are not just words. It is the truth. Your unremitting pursuit of excellence, your humanity, your humility, your extraordinary self-discipline, your camaraderie – regardless of background – mark you out as amongst the very best in our society.
“Your loyalty to one another will mean the difference between life and death. The example you show us has penetrated the national psyche. It has drawn the British people together in an extraordinary way.
“The magnificent response up and down the country on Armistice Day this year bears powerful testimony to this. So I would say that, although you serve the country, you also show us the way.”
Prince William himself is training to be a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF. Younger brother Harry served in Afghanistan in 2007.
One of the soldiers honored was Royal Marine Ben McBean, who lost an arm and a leg after stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan last year. He returned home with Harry, who called the Marine, a “true hero.”
