William so busy helping Kate he barely watched a Bafta film

THE PRINCE OF WALES has revealed that he has watched fewer films ahead of the British Academy Film Awards this year as his wife recovers from major abdominal surgery.

The Prince, 41, apologised to Elaine Bedell, the chief executive of the Southbank Centre for his last-minute decision to attend the ceremony alone amid the health scares in his family.

When asked if he had been able to watch many of the 38 feature films being nominated at the awards, he said: “I’ve done the fewest I’ve ever done before, with my wife it’s been a bit – hopefully we’ll catch up. I’ll make my list tonight.”

The Prince, who has been president of the Baftas since 2010, told Charlotte Moore he is a “big fan of Christopher Nolan” and will be “pleased” if receives an award. He added that he has not watched Barbie yet, but he wants to, telling Ms Bedell that there were “lots of opinionated fans outside” the Royal Festival Hall venue.

The Princess of Wales, who usually attends the star-studded ceremony with her husband, has been convalescing at the couple’s home in Windsor after major abdominal surgery last month.

The Prince told Bafta executives that she was sorry not to be attending with him, saying: “She does love the Baftas.”

He also hailed all the “good British films and good female directors” that have been nominated this year. The Prince took his seat next to Cate Blanchett, who gave him a warm hug, once the celebrities and other attendees had been seated.

David Beckham, who presented an award, immediately made his way over to the Prince to say hello. The pair have previously worked together on numerous charities.