In a solo appearance at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards, Prince William made sure to keep his wife, Kate Middleton, close to his heart.

The Prince of Wales, serving as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, graced the red carpet alone at the 77th BAFTAs held at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

This was as the Princess of Wales continues her healing journey post last month’s abdominal surgery.

Despite attending alone, Prince William ensured that everyone knew about his wife’s deep affection for the prestigious British movie awards.

During a conversation with Elaine Bedell, the chief executive of the Southbank Centre at the event, Prince William conveyed an apology for Kate’s absence at this year’s awards ceremony.

“I’m sorry Catherine couldn’t make it.

She truly adores the BAFTAs,” he expressed.

Recalling past moments, Bedell responded, “I remember last year about the films that you’d watched.”

William shared, “All the movies I watch, she watches with me.

So we carefully go through them together.”

Acknowledging the impact of Princess Kate’s recent surgery on Jan. 16 and her subsequent recovery, the couple’s routine movie nights have been temporarily put on hold.

Prince William confessed that due to recent events, he has viewed fewer films from this year’s nominees than ever before.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind.

It’s been quite overwhelming.

But hopefully, I’ll catch up,” he added, jokingly mentioning that he would finalize his list of must-watch movies during the event.

One film that Prince William managed to see before the BAFTAs was Oppenheimer, which secured accolades for best film and best director.

Expressing his admiration, Prince William stated, “I’m a huge fan of Christopher Nolan, so I’ll be thrilled if he wins …

I was captivated by Oppenheimer.”

However, there is one film that Prince William is yet to watch.

“I haven’t seen Barbie yet,” he mentioned, “but it’s on my list.”

Princess Kate is usually by her husband’s side at the BAFTAs and had accompanied him on the red carpet last year when they debuted as the Prince and Princess of Wales at the event.

Their attendance at the 2023 BAFTAs marked their return after a two-year hiatus.

In 2021, William skipped the BAFTAs following his grandfather Prince Philip’s passing at 99 on Apr.

9.

The following year, in 2022, both William and Kate were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

Prince William’s appearance at the BAFTAs followed a week off from royal duties to care for Princess Kate and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – during the school break.

While Kate left the hospital on Jan. 29, she is currently recuperating at home and is not expected to resume public royal duties until Easter.

Following a brief period of focusing on Kate’s recovery, Prince William resumed public engagements on Feb. 7 after staying out of the public eye for several weeks.

These appearances also marked his first outings after his father King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was disclosed on Feb. 5.

A source close to William shared with PEOPLE, “He is managing remarkably well despite his wife’s surgery and the recent news about his father.”