Rebel Wilson's Cringe-Worthy Prince Andrew Joke at 2020 BAFTAs Gains New Relevance
In a moment that has taken on renewed significance, actress Rebel Wilson delivered a toe-curling joke about Prince Andrew during the 2020 British Academy Film Awards. The awkward quip was made directly in front of Prince William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who were seated in the front row at London's Royal Albert Hall. This incident occurred a full six years before Prince Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which took place at his Sandringham home on his 66th birthday.
The Infamous Joke and Royal Reaction
As Rebel Wilson took to the stage to present the Best Director award to Sam Mendes, she referenced several royal scandals, including those involving Prince Andrew and the recently abdicated Prince Harry. Addressing the star-studded audience, she stumbled through her words, saying, "Good evening distinguished guests and those that don't identify as that. It is really great to be here, at the Royal Andrew... Royal Harry... no, sorry, Royal Phil- at this royal... palace place."
The cameras immediately cut to William and Kate, who were seen staring up at her with unreadable expressions as the audience responded with a titter of nervous laughter. At the time, Prince Andrew had just stepped down from royal duties following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Historical Context and Aftermath
In that 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew denied sexual allegations by Virginia Giuffre, claiming he had "no recollection" of meeting her and was instead at a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughter. He defended his friendship with Epstein as "useful" for business opportunities but expressed regret for staying at his house.
Fast forward to November 2025, King Charles III officially stripped Prince Andrew of his titles of 'Prince,' 'Royal Highness,' and 'Duke of York' following ongoing controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The release of files by the US Department of Justice brought these accusations to a head, culminating in his arrest.
Audience and Viewer Reactions
Rebel Wilson's joke sparked mixed reviews from viewers at the time. Some described it as "cringe" and "disgustingly unfunny," expressing sympathy for William and Kate having to represent their family at such a public event. However, others praised the moment, with one viewer writing, "Three cheers for the producer who cut to William and Kate after Rebel Wilson’s Prince Andrew and Harry joke."
Additional Awkward Moments at the Ceremony
This was not the only uncomfortable incident for the royal couple that evening. When Margot Robbie took to the stage to accept Brad Pitt's award for Best Supporting Actor on behalf of the absent star, she made another dig. Reading out his acceptance speech, she said, "Brad says he is going to name this Harry because he is really excited about bringing it back to the States with him. His words not mine." This time, William and Kate were seen laughing in their seats as the cameras cut to them.
Prince William's Role at BAFTA
Prince William has served as the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts since 2010, succeeding Lord Attenborough. In this capacity, he and Kate frequently attend the annual BAFTA Film Awards to support the industry, meet nominees, and present awards. Their presence at the 2020 ceremony made Rebel Wilson's joke all the more pointed and publicly visible.
The resurgence of interest in this six-year-old incident highlights how past events can gain new layers of meaning in light of subsequent developments, particularly within the tumultuous landscape of royal affairs and public scandals.
