Prince William named new BAFTA President

Prince William will replace Lord Attenborough as the President of BAFTA.

The Prince's role was announced today at the Orange British Academy Film Awards. His first formal act will be to present Vanessa Redgrave with the British Academy Fellowship at tonight's ceremony.

"Lord Attenborough warned me to be quick or Mickey Rourke might wrestle me off stage," the Prince joked.

BAFTA Chairman David Parfitt said: "The Academy has had a long association with the Royal Family and we are absolutely delighted that HRH Prince William has agreed to become our President.

"Our outgoing President, Lord Attenborough, who has been the most extraordinary supporter of the Academy, extended the invitation to Prince William himself and he is as thrilled as I am that he accepted."

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