Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, are rumoured to be hosting a number of BAFTA nominees at their home on Saturday evening. The royal couple, who spent the past two weeks holidaying in Mustique, are thought to be welcoming stars including Reese Witherspoon and Amy Adams to Kensington Palace, although it has not been confirmed by the Palace. Actors and actresses including Julianne Moore, Rosamund Pike, Patricia Arquette, Steve Carell and Benedict Cumberbatch are all expected at the star-studded reception as are Ralph Fiennes, Ethan Hawke, Felicity Jones and Michael Keaton.
Duchess Kate first met Reese in LA in 2011
If the Duchess is to attend, she will be keen to be reunited with BAFTA nominated actress Reese, whom she struck up a friendship with after meeting in Los Angeles 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.
The reception at Kensington Palace takes place the night before the BAFTA Awards
Prince William, who is president of BAFTA, would also have a close friend among the famous faces at the party. While they were both studying at Eton, William and actor Eddie Redmayne found themselves on the same rugby team. "He's a wonderful man," Eddie told Glamour in January. "I always felt slightly sorry for him because everyone wanted to tackle the future king of England. He took all the hits." Eddie, who is hoping to be crowned Best Actor for his role in The Theory of Everything during Sunday night's ceremony, will be attended the event with his co-star and fellow nominee Felicity Jones.
Stars and BAFTA nominees including Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Eddie Redmayne will attend the event
Keira Knightley, who is pregnant with her first child, will also attend the star-studded event. On Thursday BAFTA nominee Keira, who was recently crowned best-dressed mum-to-be ahead of Kate, spoke about how she has found it hard to dress for award season while pregnant, saying: "People do wear tight things when they're pregnant, I don't really go for that." Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Edward Norton, Mark Ruffalo, J K Simmons, Imelda Staunton and BAFTA Rising Star nominee Jack O'Connell are all also expected at the pre-awards reception.