A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the opening of BAFTA Piccadilly

It is my huge pleasure to join you today in this wonderful new space to officially launch BAFTA Piccadilly and to open the ‘BAFTA: Behind the Screens’ exhibition.

I am pleased I had the opportunity to meet some of the fantastic British talent who were instrumental in creating the iconic works on display in the exhibition. It’s safe to say that I felt quite underdressed when stood in front of those Killing Eve costumes! 

BAFTA is an excellent British institution, and a unique charity with a truly global reach. My family’s close relationship with BAFTA dates back to 1959, when my grandfather was appointed as its first President. I have been privileged through my role as President over the last 9 years to have experienced first-hand the impact of its work in the UK, the US and Asia, celebrating excellence and nurturing the next generation of talent.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of BAFTA’s Prince William Scholars just now, and was delighted to hear first-hand how the scholarship has benefitted their careers. BAFTA’s ambitious plans to expand its learning and new talent activity, including through this new public venue and exhibition, is vital to the future of the moving-image industry.

I would like to finish by thanking all of you here today who have generously supported the next stage of BAFTA’s work. This project will help to promote the growth of the creative talent in the UK, and internationally, and to ensure that talented people from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to succeed. It is thanks to your support that we will continue to see the British film, game and television industry go from strength to strength.