Kate chose a green dress with a black sash for the occassion. Photo / Getty Images
Kate chose a green dress with a black sash for the occassion. Photo / Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge stood out a mile amid a sea of black at today's BAFTA film awards in London — but her choice of outfit faced criticism from some.
As with last month's Golden Globe awards, stars dressed mainly in black in a show of solidarity with the #MeTooand Time's Up anti-sexual harassment campaigns.
However, British royals avoid making overtly political statements or gestures, and the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear dark green as she accompanied husband Prince William, who is the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, to the ceremony.
The green dress was paired with a black clutch and a diamond necklace. Photo / Getty Images
The pregnant Duchess — also known as Kate Middleton — was glowing in green, but sparked a social media debate about whether or not she should have worn black:
I know the Royals aren’t supposed to get involved with “protests” or anything… but would it really have been THAT bad for Kate Middleton to wear black??? #BAFTAs2018
I feel properly let down (didn't know I cared this much). They might be "modern royals" etc etc but this just shows how much hasn't actually changed. #BAFTAs2018
Whether she wore black or not she'd be criticised. The media would jump on her for making a political statement - whether you believe it is that or not doesn't matter. The black dress code is also voluntary. I'd take the black sash and the dark dress as a nod to the movement
She looks lovely. Great dress. BUT I am more than a little disappointed (and angry actually) that she chose not to wear black. #TimesUp is not political. It’s about human rights. And even if it *is* political (yeah, it’s not), this is a cause she should be getting behind. https://t.co/NPiWs3kVLg
— Duchess ManyBooks of MorePlease (@PartTimeRoyal) February 18, 2018
The Sun reports that there would have been repercussions if the Duchess had worn black as it may be seen as a political statement, which is strictly against the Royal Family's rules.
However, Middleton did wear a black sash with the dress, which some fashion watchers read as Middleton's way of making an acknowledgement without making an overt political statement.
The royals are joining stars including Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie at the British version of the Oscars which are being held at Royal Albert Hall.
Proceedings got off to a rocky start when female protesters from a group called Sisters Uncut stormed the red carpet and lay down linking arms.
The stunt was designed to draw attention to British PM Theresa May's domestic violence policies, which they say are a "dangerous distraction" that will leave survivors "locked up in prison, locked out of refuges, and locked into violent relationships".
