BAFTA Awards: Helen Mirren Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

The BAFTA Awards, held at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London, saw a gathering of renowned personalities from the television and film industry.

Among them was Dame Helen Mirren, who delivered a heartfelt speech dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022.

Taking the stage to present the tribute, Helen emphasized the long-standing relationship between BAFTA and Her Majesty.

She acknowledged that BAFTA owes much of its success to the Queen's unwavering support.

Over the years, she had backed more than 50 cultural organizations, and in 2013, she herself was honored with a BAFTA in recognition of her outstanding patronage of the film and television industries.

Helen highlighted the power of cinema to bring people together and unite them through storytelling.

As a clip played in support of her speech, the audience heard a voice recording of Queen Elizabeth II, in which she expressed how artists, including writers, actors, filmmakers, dancers, and musicians, showcase both the diversity of cultures and the shared humanity we all possess.

In conclusion, Helen addressed the late monarch, referring to her as the nation's leading star.

On behalf of BAFTA, she expressed gratitude for all that the Queen had done for the film and television industry.

Richard, before moving on to the next award, also took a moment to thank Her Majesty, stating, “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”

As the camera captured the audience's reaction, Prince William and Kate Middleton were seen applauding the speech, visibly moved by the kind words spoken by Helen Mirren.

However, some viewers interpreted Helen's speech as a subtle jab at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Since Meghan's return to her home country after leaving the UK, it appears that she has not received a warm welcome.

Last year, Celia Walden, the wife of Piers Morgan, claimed that Meghan Markle made a crucial mistake by forgetting that the entire United States loves the Queen.

Speaking from her home in LA during an interview with Dan Wooten, novelist Walden expressed her surprise at the lack of support for Meghan in the US, stating that she has become a figure of fun and ridicule.

According to Walden, anyone who offends or behaves poorly towards the Queen is unlikely to be well-received.

Walden referred to a joke made by Rebel Wilson about the infamous Oprah interview during this year's BAFTA Awards.

She found it fascinating that the audience responded with laughter instead of disapproval, indicating that Prince Harry and Meghan are now seen as figures of ridicule.

This outcome would likely be distressing to Meghan, as it is the opposite of what they had hoped for.

Meanwhile, US TV host Megyn Kelly has labeled Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as an international laughingstock, holding them solely responsible for their current situation.

This comes as the couple denied rumors of planning to sue the satirical show South Park over its portrayal of them.

Kelly emphasized that South Park is not to blame for the negative opinions surrounding the couple.

In an interview with Paul Murray on Sky News Australia, she stated that their real problem lies in becoming subjects of worldwide mockery, and they have no one but themselves to hold accountable.

In summary, the BAFTA Awards witnessed a touching tribute by Helen Mirren to the late Queen Elizabeth II.