Reese Witherspoon missed out on seeing the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton when she paid a visit to Kensington Palace over the weekend. The Hollywood actress had flown in from her native US to attend a pre-BAFTAs party on Saturday night, ahead of the awards ceremony on Sunday.
Revealing that she didn't end up crossing paths with Prince William and Kate at their lavish London home, Reese stopped to talk about her experience on the BAFTA red carpet.
"My mother kept texting me, 'Did you meet the Queen? Was Kate there? No, Mum, I don't think they're coming to the BAFTA pre-party,'" Reese told the BBC.
Reese Witherspoon lost out to Julianne Moore in the Leading Actress category
The 38-year-old, who accentuated her curves in a purple, figure-hugging halter gown, added of William and Kate's residence: "It was amazing, just beautiful, the art was gorgeous, the architecture, the ceilings, everything. I was overwhelmed by beauty."
On the night of the pre-party Reese shared her excitement by posting a photo on Twitter with the caption: "Best cure by far for jet lag? A party.... at Kensington Palace. #PreBAFTAs #London #KeepCalmAndDanceAlong."
Reese Witherspoon attended a pre-BAFTA party at Kensington Palace
While the actress lost out to Julianne Moore in the Leading Actress category at the BAFTAs, Reese didn't let her defeat dampen her spirits. The Wild star was pictured leaving an afterparty at the Little House members club in the early hours of Monday morning, looking a tad less polished than she had during her earlier red carpet-appearance.
Reese was perhaps hoping to catch up with Duchess Kate at Kensington Palace, after having met her in Los Angeles in 2011, while she and Prince William were on tour. The pair had mingled at the home of film producer Steve Tisch, where the royal couple were meeting donors to animal welfare charity Tusk, of which William is a patron.
Duchess Kate and Reese Witherspoon have previously met in 2011
It is believed that Kate and Reese kept in touch following their meeting and the Water For Elephants star reportedly sent the Duchess gifts following the birth of Prince George in July 2013.
As president of BAFTA, William supported the academy by holding the BAFTAs pre-party at his home, but it is not yet known whether he was at the celebration. The Prince was unable to make the Sunday night ceremony, unlike previous years when he had attended.