The Duke of Cambridge during a visit BAFTA in London
(Picture: PA)The Duke of Cambridge hailed future showbiz stars as he unveiled a bursary in his name to help youngsters reach the top.
Prince William, 39, helped open the new HQ of the BAFTA charity in London and took part in a carbon-busting computer game revealing Prince George enjoys gaming but that him and Kate "regulate his screen time".
He also chatted with telly star Suranne Jones who takes part in a Bafta mentoring scheme for up and coming stars.
Sitting with youngsters from the Prince William Scholarship, he said: "Is it working well for you? I can have a word with the boss, the real boss."
The duke also sat with Vigil actress Jones and BBC Three presenter Annie Price as well as their two mentees Lily Blunsom-Washbrook and Roxanne McKenzie.
Roxanne told the prince: "It can seem an impossible dream to reach so mentoring is helpful."
William added: "When you first start off it is interesting how different levels of what success means and it must be daunting to do you get through and navigate through the system, it is such a big enormous industry so having mentoring support and bursary is important."
Jones told the duke she wished she had a mentoring or scholarship scheme or bursary when she was a struggling actress.
Twenty-year-old Harry Petch, of BAFTA Young Game Designers, showed off his carbon capturing game called ‘Net Carbon’ which was unveiled at Cop26 in Glasgow last year.
Taking the controls, the duke revealed Prince George "in particular" loves computer games.
But said they try to "regulate screen time" at home.
He added: "I like this for school, it is a great way to teach the kids."
Afterwards Harry said: "He said George has an interest in games."
The Duke of Cambridge has also launched the Prince William BAFTA Bursary fund at the renovated HQ in Piccadilly.
The fund is aimed at talented individuals who, due to financial reasons, would otherwise not be able to pursue careers in the screen industries.
Wills, President of BAFTA said, “I am hugely proud of BAFTA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that young talent from all walks of life are given every possible opportunity to build and develop successful careers in the film, games and television industries.
"The redevelopment of 195 Piccadilly has created fantastic new learning spaces to ensure that future generations can receive the support they need to thrive."
BAFTA winning actor and mentor Suranne Jones added: “If you want to find your footing in the arts, BAFTA’s unique approach of harnessing the industry to support emerging talent can be invaluable.
"As young as eight I dreamed of becoming an actor, but I didn’t begin my professional career until the age of 16.
"A lot of young people in creative fields who don’t have family connections in the industry don’t know where to turn for help or advice and I resonate with their stories in that sense.
"Behind the scenes and beyond the awards, there is a lot of good work being done to level the playing field for creatives from all walks of life and I’m delighted to play my part in my role as a BAFTA mentor."
