Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly not allowed to attend the BAFTA Awards as senior staff worry she'll "totally distract" audiences from the film stars.

Prince William and Duchess Catherine

Prince William and Duchess Catherine

The 35-year-old Duchess is set to attend the star studded awards bash next month with her husband Prince William, who is the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), but the pair have reportedly been told by staff that the brunette beauty isn't wanted over concerns she'll outshine the A-List actresses.

A source said: "William has faced serious criticism from the film industry for missing the BAFTAs the last two years, despite being our president.

"As a result of that feedback, he made it clear he wants to go this year and even bring Kate.

"It would be a real show of his commitment towards BAFTA and create headlines around the world.

"But it was then expressed by senior staff within BAFTA that Kate's attendance will totally distract from all the film stars there."

And whilst sources suggest the 34-year-old royal - who shares three-year-old Prince George and 20-month-old Princess Charlotte with his wife whom he married in 2011 - will just bring the Duchess with him anyway, the confrontation has caused "awkwardness" between the two parties.

A second source told The Sun newspaper: "Most people think William will end up getting his way by bringing Kate but it's created awkwardness because her attendance shouldn't have been in question."

However, despite these claims it was reported that BAFTA "would be delighted" to welcome both Prince William and Duchess Catherine to their award ceremony.

They said in a statement on Monday night (23.01.17): "It is completely untrue that Bafta has suggested that our president attend on his own.

"We would be delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses any year they are able to attend."

The BAFTAs will take place on February 12.