Rebel Wilson’s BAFTAs Joke About Prince Andrew Resurfaces Ahead of Hosting Gig
A joke made by Rebel Wilson at the British Academy Film Awards about Prince Andrew and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein is drawing renewed attention as the BAFTAs prepare to return this weekend. The quip, delivered while presenting the Best Director award, landed awkwardly in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton, sparking a range of reactions at the time.
Wilson’s reference to the scandal, which had recently dominated headlines following a BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew, prompted a noticeable reaction from the Prince and Princess of Wales, who were seated in the front row. The incident highlights the delicate balance between comedic license and royal sensitivities, particularly when addressing highly sensitive and publicly scrutinized issues.
Addressing the audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Wilson playfully stumbled over the venue’s name, saying, “Good evening distinguished guests and those that don’t identify as that. This proves really great to be here, at the Royal Andrew… Royal Harry… No, sorry, Royal Phil- at this royal… palace place,” according to reports from the time. The joke alluded to Prince Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal duties.
The joke came at a particularly fraught moment for the royal family. Prince Andrew had stepped down from royal duties following the BBC Newsnight interview where he denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, claiming he had “no recollection” of meeting her. He also defended his friendship with Epstein as “useful” for business opportunities.
The resurfacing of the joke comes as Wilson prepares to host the BAFTAs. The timing is notable given the recent developments in the Prince Andrew case, including King Charles III officially stripping Prince Andrew of his titles of ‘Prince,’ ‘Royal Highness’ and ‘Duke of York’ in , following controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
At the time of the original joke, reactions were mixed. Some viewers called it ‘cringe’ and ‘disgustingly unfunny,’ expressing sympathy for William and Kate being placed in the awkward position of witnessing the joke firsthand. Others, however, praised Wilson’s boldness, with one social media user commenting, “Three cheers for the producer who cut to William and Kate after Rebel Wilson’s Prince Andrew and Harry joke.”
The BAFTAs also featured another potentially awkward moment for the Prince and Princess of Wales. While presenting an award, Margot Robbie delivered a line from Brad Pitt’s acceptance speech that alluded to bringing the award “back to the States,” prompting laughter from William and Kate.
Prince William has served as the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) since , 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. Their presence underscores the importance of the BAFTAs as a key event in the British cultural calendar and a significant platform for the film and television industries.
The incident with Wilson’s joke serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by comedians when navigating sensitive topics, particularly those involving the royal family. It also highlights the evolving relationship between the monarchy and public scrutiny, and the increasing willingness of performers to address controversial issues on high-profile stages. As Wilson prepares to return as host, the question remains whether she will revisit the topic, and if so, how she will approach it in light of the subsequent events and the changed circumstances surrounding Prince Andrew.
