In case you’re not religiously across awards season, the BAFTAs are currently happening. Like last month’s Golden Globes, stars walking the red carpet almost universally opted to wear black in support of #TimesUp, the movement against sexual harrassment in the industry.
One celeb who forewent the black dress code? Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.
FYI, Kate and Wills were there bc Prince William‘s the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Thing is, while Kate didn’t dress head-to-toe black in support, it’s actually strictly against the Royal Family protocol to make political statements. If Kate wore black, there may have been repercussions.
In saying that there’s definitely an element of support with Kate’s dress. The black sash, for instance, definitely feels like a nod to the movement. Deciding to wear possibly the most subdued, close-to-black shade as well? It all feels like Kate’s quietly in support without rocking the royal boat.
Plenty of people took to Twitter to support Kate and explain this.
The actresses agreed to wear black tonight. The Duchess of Cambridge is not an actress, so it makes perfect sense for her not to wear black. Wearing dark green (a rather subdued colour) is a perfect choice. #BAFTA2018
— RoyalArjan (@RoyalArjan) February 18, 2018
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
— Jade. (@twiggy_jade) February 18, 2018
As much as we’d like to see #Kate supporting her fellow women, as a Royal, she’s not aloud to express political opinion. #TimesUp is about support and strength over female objectification, so please, let’s not start bashing people over their dresses. #women #BAFTAs #BAFTA2018
— James (@jamesiemilne) February 18, 2018
The rest of the red carpet saw major stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Lily James, Emma Roberts, Timothy Chalamet and Angelina Jolie (just to name a few) repping black threads in support.
