Prince William inspires young students on BAFTA visit

Prince William paid a visit to the BAFTA headquarters in Piccadilly, London on Monday morning.

© Photo: Rex

As President of BAFTA, the 31-year-old prince showed his support for the film and television arts organisation by attending the launch of its new initiative - the Give Something Back campaign. The scheme hopes to encourage young people to enter the film, television and games industries, by offering mentoring, scholarships and summer work placements among other programmes.

Standing in front of BAFTA members and beneficiaries, William gave an inspirational speech to formally launch the campaign. "Today, more than ever, young people need nurture and support to achieve their potential," said the new father.

William then went on to praise BAFTA for its work, which he said allows people to "learn from and work side by side with the best in the business". The second-in-line to the throne also urged industry professionals to contribute to the Give Something Back campaign.

© Photo: Rex

During his visit, William chatted to a number of beneficiaries who were clearly excited to meet the young royal. He then caught up with a group of secondary school students, Young Game Designers, who were taking part in a games design workshop.

Earlier this year, three students received the first ever Prince William scholarships, allowing them to study film, television or games at higher education. "The BAFTA scholarship made me realise, if you've got the passion, you can do whatever you want," said one recipient.

© Photo: Getty Images

While the Duke's wife, Kate Middleton, did not make an appearance at the BAFTA event, the royal couple have long been supporters of the much-loved academy.Shortly after their wedding in 2011, William and Kate travelled stateside where they attended the BAFTA Brits to Watch ceremony.

Kate stunned in a lavender coloured floor-length gown, outshining Hollywood celebrities at the star-studded affair. The couple met high-profile guests including Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman and Barbara Streisand among others.On the same overseas tour, the Duke and Duchess also paid a visit to BAFTA-supported Inner City Arts in Los Angeles. The beautiful couple took part in a ceramics class with young children and in true Hollywood fashion, recast their hand prints in clay.