PRINCE William and Kate Middleton’s Bafta’s entrance was executed like a military operation – with celebrities shunned from the red carpet to make way for the Royals.

The pair arrived at the Albert Hall just before 7pm on Sunday night and, over 30 minutes prior to their entrance, the previously packed red carpet was completely cleared for them.

The Bafta red carpet was completely shut down for the Duke and Duchess of CambridgeCredit: Reuters

Kate looked radiant in an Alexander McQueen gownCredit: Getty Images

The couple had the red carpet virtually all to themselvesCredit: Reuters

A-list stars, including actresses Penelope Cruz and Michelle Williams, had their red carpet walk and press interviews seemingly cancelled, as the stars failed to show at the main entrance.

An onlooker told The Sun Online: “The Royal arrival was a massive deal for the organisers, people with headsets started to move people along half an hour before they were due to arrive.

“There was a lot of talk about ‘the Royal arrival’ and there was no messing about – in a matter of minutes the whole carpet was cleared of talent and their entourages.

“Fans and members of the press were told Michelle Williams and Penelope Cruz were waiting in their cars to walk down the carpet but after Kate and William arrived they never turned up.

Penelope Cruz was left waiting in her car and missed out walking the full length of the red carpetCredit: Getty Images – WireImage

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Michelle Williams’ arrival also clashed with that of the RoyalsCredit: Getty Images

“Time was getting pretty tight as the ceremony started soon after Kate and William arrived.”

Michelle and Penelope were later spotted having their pictures taken on the carpet away from the entrance where most of the celebrities had arrived.

A Bafta insider later told The Sun Online this “wasn’t the case” and said no celebrities had been made to wait to enter the event.

Rather than walking the full red carpet, they were dropped off halfway along the run at the bottom of the grand staircase that led up to the iconic venue.

William and Kate got the biggest cheers of the night as they arrived, with Kate grinning at the adoring crowds.

The mum-of-two cut a striking figure in an Alexander McQueen gown and stole the show with her outfit.

Once inside the couple were spotted mingling with other Bafta attendees before taking their seats.

The couple spent time mingling with other guests inside the Royal Albert HallCredit: Getty Images

The pair received a standing ovation when they took their seatsCredit: Getty Images

William and Kate had the best view of the action from the front rowCredit: Getty Images

During the glamorous evening, the good humoured pair laughed as host Stephen Fry teased Prince William.

Referring to the heir to the throne as Prince Bill at one point, Stephen then went on to joke about William’s relation to EastEnders star Danny Dyer.

Earlier in the month, The Sun revealed how Bafta bosses had warned celebs attending the swanky ceremony about asking for pictures with the Royal couple.

Organisers feared some guests may have been unfamiliar with royal protocol and could approach William and Kate for pictures.

The evening went without a hitch and Kate and William appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselvesCredit: Getty Images

The picture perfect couple left the event after the ceremony endedCredit: Getty Images

A source said: “The team liaising with guests and nominees have had a quiet word to stress the importance of royal protocol.

“Many of the A-listers are used to being the biggest deal in the room, but royalty is altogether different.

“They’re not celebrities in the same way and bosses are taking no chances.”