Prince William and Kate Middleton Arranged a Private Screening of this Oscar-Nominated Movie for Prince George
Prince William and Kate Middleton saw Oscar-nominated climbing documentary Free Solo and were very impressed. They royal parents arranged a private screening of the film so Prince George could see it too.


- Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the 2019 BAFTAs last Sunday, where they spent time chatting with the star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Free Solo.
- Will and Kate reportedly loved Free Solo, which stars pro climber Alex Honnold, so much that they arranged for a private screening of the film for their oldest son, Prince George.
- The film follows Honnold's attempt to complete the first free solo climb of El Capitan's 900-meter (or roughly 3,000-foot) vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park in California
Prince William and Kate Middleton are flexing their royal privilege a little—but all in the name of making Prince George a very cultured little 5-year-old.
The royal couple have reportedly used their clout as, you know, a royal couple to arrange for a private screening of an Oscar-nominated movie for their oldest child. The movie in question? Free Solo, which is nominated for Best Feature-Length Documentary.
Will and Kate are huge fans of the film themselves and spent time hobnobbing with Free Solo's star, pro climber Alex Honnold, and his girlfriend, Sanni McCandles (who also plays a big part in the movie) at the BAFTAs last weekend.
According to The Sun, Will and Kate personally requested the face time with Alex and Sanni, which speaks volumes about how much they loved the film. Will, in particular, was reportedly in full fanboy mode during the meeting, asking Alex tons of questions about his epic climb. This is totally fair—Alex scaled the 3,000-foot vertical rock face of El Capitan, the iconic rock formation in California’s Yosemite National Park that you probably know best as your Mac's default wallpaper circa 2015.
Alex completed the daunting climb without ropes or safety gear and Will was, understandably, like "...but HOW?" (though, presumably, said in a much more regal way). The royal even reportedly asked permission to examine Alex's hands for injuries, like a true super fan.
Here's hoping George loves the movie as much as his parents did and convinces them to take him to the Oscars to meet Alex himself (hey, dare to dream, right?).
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey on Dealing With Trolls as Modern-Day Disney Princesses
"It’s choosing to be present and know that they’re probably just having a really hard day. And I’m putting out a movie."
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Kendall Jenner in Phoebe Philo Is Luxury with a Capital L
The sum total of her outfit is approximately six months of my rent.
By India Roby
-
Kaia Gerber's "Off-Duty Librarian" Look Is a Win for Nerds Everywhere
Bookworms, this one is for you.
By Melony Forcier
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn