Prince William to turn presenter at BAFTA awards

London: At this year`s BAFTA awards, there will be a royal name amongst the glitzy list of presenters, none other than second in line to the British throne, Prince William.The young royal will be attending the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards to honour actress Vanessa Redgrave with the Academy Fellowship, reported Daily Mail online.

It is the first time William has agreed to take part in a high profile awards ceremony. Redgrave, who lost her daughter Natasha Richardson in a skiing accident last year, won a best supporting actress Oscar in 1977. Although she is part of show-business royalty, Redgrave is an avowed republican and has, in the past, called for the abolition of the monarchy. In the 1970s she was heavily involved with The Workers` Revolutionary Party and has also firmly rejected all offers of an honour from the Queen. The Royal Family has a long BAFTAS association. The Duke of Edinburgh was its first president and profits from the 1959 documentary Royal Family helped build its London Headquarters. A spokesman for William said he had agreed to attend the Baftas because film was "such an important British industry". A St James`s Palace spokesman added, "The prince was honoured and delighted to be asked because it’s obviously an immensely powerful organisation which represents one of Britain’s most successful industries." William, who will not be accompanied by his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton, will wear black tie and brave the red carpet before meeting Hollywood and British film stars inside the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The evening will be something of landmark moment for the future king as it is the first time he has agreed to take part in any high-profile awards ceremony, let alone one that is televised to millions of viewers around the world. Film industry moguls hope his appearance will give the awards a huge boost in its efforts to better Hollywood’s Oscars night. PTI