Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams Hard Launch Romance as Prince William Navigates Tense BAFTA Appearance

The 2026 BAFTAs featured a red carpet debut for Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams, plus Prince William’s candid remark on his emotional state following royal family news.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 9:05 AM EST

Source: BBC News

A Major Relationship Milestone on the Red Carpet

The 2026 BAFTA Awards served as the stage for a significant cultural moment as actor Paul Mescal and singer Gracie Abrams officially confirmed their relationship to the public. Arriving at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the pair bypassed their usual low profile approach to share a visible moment of affection for photographers. Mescal, who was nominated for his performance in the critically acclaimed film Hamnet, wore a relaxed black Prada suit, while Abrams opted for a floral embellished Chanel gown. Their "hard launch" comes after nearly two years of speculation regarding their status, solidifying their position as one of the industry's most high profile young couples.

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Prince William and the Emotional Weight of Hamnet

Beyond the glamour of celebrity debuts, the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales drew intense media scrutiny. In a conversation that has since gone viral, Prince William admitted that he had not yet watched the film Hamnet, which explores the grief of William Shakespeare following the death of his young son. When asked about his viewing plans, the Prince remarked that he needed to be in a "calm state" to handle such an emotional story and noted that he was "not at the moment." The comment was interpreted by many as a subtle acknowledgement of the personal strain currently facing the royal family following the shock arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor just days prior.

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