Renee Zellweger can hardly contain her excitement as she heads to an after party

She took home the Best Actress award for her portray of Judy Garland at the BAFTAs and put on an emotional display throughout the evening.

But Renee Zellweger could hardly contain her laughter when she left the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night, ready to celebrate her win at an after party.  

The 50-year-old actress looked sensational as she relaxed in the back of the car in her pink Prada column gown alongside her driver and publicist. 

The Bridget Jones star held up her hand to cover her mouth and stifle her giggles and in turn showcased her sensational collection of David Webb bling which totalled at $172,000. 

The laughing star most certainly had a lot to celebrate; upon winning the award Reese dedicated the prestigious honour to the icon who she so magnificently played. 

And it seems she has some royal fans. 

Both Prince William, 38, and Kate Middleton, 38, looked delighted to meet the actress.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge approached the stunning star with huge smiles  on their face and put on an animated display when speaking to her.      

Earlier in the evening, Reese was spotted tearing up on a few occasions.   

The actress was seen dabbing her eyes when her Judy co-star Jessie Buckley, who plays her assistant Rosalyn Wilder, performed at the event.

Jessie was singing her song Glasgow (No Place Like Home) from the soundtrack to her film Wild Rose, and Renee appeared unable to contain her emotions.

Speaking to presenter Edith Bowman about Jessie following the ceremony, Renee said: ‘Oh my gosh, [I was] blubbering! She’s a knock out.’   

Gushing over her friend, she said: ‘I knew she was nervous, because if you’ve going to sing in a room, that’s the room – The Albert Hall. If you’re a singer don’t you dream of that!’

She added: ‘I was so proud of Jessie tonight, I’ll probably start crying if I talk about it.’

Edith also referenced Renee’s big win, and she replied: ‘Yeah I kind of cried at that part. I’ve seen so many shows and been here so many times, with so many special memories. To hear that, the whole thing.’

Many viewers noticed Renee breaking down and took to Twitter to comment on the sweet moment, one said: 

‘Wow, I had no idea Jessie Buckley had such a beautiful voice. Renee Zellweger is crying! EEBAFTAs.’

While another said: ‘Renee Zellweger crying at Jessie Buckley singing is pure! Also this makes me need to watch #WildRose I have the dvd already!~

Fans also noted that Renee once again was dabbing her teary eyes when For Sama received the gong for Best Documentary.

One said: ‘Renee was crying at the winners For Sama – who just won best documentary. The award was dedicated to the ‘#great people of Syria, the great doctors and nurses helping… please let them hear your voice. #EEBAFTAs’

As the awards reached their pinnacle Sunday night, Renee picked up the Leading Actress gong for her role as Judy Garland in the namesake biopic Judy.

Joaquin Phoenix, 45, took home the Leading Actor award for his role as Joker.