William, Prince of Wales mingled with stars including Andy Serkis, Celia Imrie and Stephen Merchant at a BAFTA event in London on Wednesday (09.10.24)

The royal - who is president of BAFTA and patron the Royal African Society - is supporting BAFTA's bursary scheme and he was seen telling Celia Imrie he's hoping the awards will help the "stars of the future", with the actress adding: "I'm delighted to be part of it, thank you."

During his chat with Stephen Merchant, the comedian told William: "I didn't realise how tall you were" and the prince quipped: "And you seem to have grown".

During the event William urged director Greengrass to make "another Bourne" movie while he also met with production assistants and costume designers as well as writers, camera and sound trainees.

After meeting attendees, William used his speech to salute "storytellers of the future".

He said: "It's wonderful for me to be here to celebrate the work that BAFTA and the Royal African Society are doing to champion the arts and creativity.

"The screen arts are such an important part of the fabric of our lives, allowing different voices and perspectives to be accessed and enjoyed in the comfort of our own homes.

"As President of BAFTA, I am very proud to be involved with an organisation that is dedicated to breaking down barriers for the storytellers of the future ... "It's fantastic to have met the latest cohorts today and hear about their ambitions for the future. I look forward to following your careers and seeing you become nominees and winners of BAFTA Awards in years to come."