Kate Middleton ignores dress code at black Baftas

Kate Middleton courted a mild controversy at the all-black 2018 Baftas as the Duchess of Cambridge appeared at the award ceremony dressed in an emerald green dress. The 36-year-old royal turned up on the red carpet of the 71st British Academy Film Awards in a Jenny Packham attire, defying the call for wearing black in solidarity with Hollywood's Time's Up campaign to continue protests against sexual harassment after the Harvey Weinstein expose rocked the showbiz late last year. To her credit, which did not go unrecognised by many, Middleton wore the neck-plunging dress with a black sash underneath her bust accentuating her seven-month baby bump. She completed her look with emerald jewellery, suede Prada heels and a black clutch. While few said the Royals tend to stay away from making political statements, some social media users said the Duchess of Cambridge could have taken a stand as the fight to eliminate the assault and bad treatment of women in the workplace is a generic, worldwide issue. "Disappointed in #KateMiddleton #DuchessofCambridge not wearing black to the #EEBAFTAs It's not a political thing. It's a woman thing! #TimesUp #StandTogether," a Twitter user wrote. "Can someone please sit me down and explain why Kate Middleton couldn't wear black for a few hours for an important cause?" wrote another tweeple. "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," one tweeted. Among the celebrities who attended the Baftas in black, actor Frances McDormand was an exception with her long-sleeved, print-heavy dress, which she pointed out herself when she got on to the stage to accept her Best Actress award for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri". "Martin said I have a little trouble with compliance," she said as the audience clapped away at her wit-laced address. "But I want you to know that I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black," McDormand added, who took home her maiden Bafta.