Rebel Wilson made a very awkward joke about Prince Andrew in front of William and Kate as she presented an award at BAFTAs
Lucy Needham Deputy Head of Showbiz
20:01, 21 Feb 2026
Prince William and Kate Middleton reaction to Rebel Wilson’s Prince Andrew joke at the BAFTAS
A joke about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Jeffrey Epstein right in front of Prince William and Kate at the BAFTAs has resurfaced – ahead of the glitzy bash returning this weekend.
Former royal Andrew was arrested at his Sandringham home – on his 66th birthday – on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Accusations over Andrew’s links to convicted paedophile Epstein have plagued the family for years but finally came to a head with the release of files by the US Department of Justice.
Back in 2020, actress Rebel Wilson took to the stage at the British Academy Film Awards and stole the show with a number of toe-curling references to some of the royals biggest scandals, one of which was dominated headlines again this week, all with the Prince and Princess of Wales sitting metres from her.
Australian funny lady Rebel referenced Prince Andrew and the recently abdicated Prince Harry before presenting the Best Director award to filmmaker Sam Mendes. Addressing the star-studded audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall, she joked about the subjects that were on everyone lips that it appeared she’d been told not to mention.
“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,” she corrected herself.
The awkward joke prompted a titter of laughs from the audience as the cameras immediately cut to William and Kate who were seen staring up at her from the front row.
At the time Andrew had just stepped down from royal duties following a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Rebel Wilson. (Image: Guy Levy/BAFTA/REX)
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.(Image: BBC.com)
In his 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew denied sexual allegations 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 date in question. He defended his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as “useful” for business opportunities, but expressed regret for staying at his house
Five years on, King Charles III officially stripped Prince Andrew of his titles of ‘Prince,’ ‘Royal Highness’ and ‘Duke of York’ in November 2025, following controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Rebel’s joke sparked mixed reviews from viewers, with some calling it ‘cringe’ and ‘disgustingly unfunny’ as they shared their sympathies with William and Kate having to be on the front line representing their family at such a public event.
However another wrote: “Three cheers for the producer who cut to William and Kate after Rebel Wilson’s Prince Andrew and Harry joke.”
It wasn’t the only awkward moment of the night for the couple. As Margot Robbie took to the stage to pick up Brad Pitt’s award for Best Supporting Actor on behalf of absent Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood she made another dig.
Reading out his acceptance speech, she told the audience: “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 insisted. This time Kate and William were seen laughing in their seats as the cameras immediately cut to them.
Prince William has served as the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) since 2010, succeeding Lord Attenborough. In this role, he and Kate, the Princess of Wales, frequently attend the annual BAFTA Film Awards to support the industry, meet nominees, and present awards.
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