Catherine, Princess of Wales divides fashion followers with $31 earrings from Zara at BAFTAs

The Princess of Wales put on a thrifty display at the British film awards - and it didn’t go down well with fashion followers. Have your say.

Australian actress Cate Blanchett and actor Austin Butler have taken out the top awards at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), where Catherine, Princess of Wales divided fans with her thrifty outfit.

Dressed in a form-fitting black velvet gown with an array of pearl necklaces, Cate, 53, won best leading actress for her portrayal of a troubled classical music conductor in Tar.

“This is extraordinary. I didn’t prepare anything (to say) because it’s been such an extraordinary year for women,” she said, thanking her fellow nominees at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night local time.

Cate Blanchett and Austin Butler arrive at the EE BAFTA Film Awards. Picture: Getty Images.

Butler, 31, won best leading actor for his role as Elvis.

“Man … this is amazing. I'm really trying to take everything in and be really present,” he said.

He paid tribute to movement coach Polly Bennett, who also helped Emma Corrin transform into Princess Diana, and to Australian director Baz Luhrmann for his vision and dedication.

Finally, he thanked the Presley family and said “I hope I’ve made you proud.”

Cate Blanchett and Austin Butler arrive at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall. Picture: Getty Images

Luhrmann’s Elvis took home four BAFTA Awards, recognising the film’s casting, costume design, hair and makeup.

Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine made their debut on the BAFTAs red carpet as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Looking every inch of a Hollywood star, Catherine was dressed in a jaw-dropping Alexander McQueen one shoulder gown for the occasion, which she first wore to the event in 2019.

The white gown has undergone some minor alterations, with the floral detailing on the shoulder swapped for a sweeping train of material.

She added a touch of extra glamour to the look with a set of black opera gloves and – surprisingly – a gold-coloured pair of Zara earrings that retail for just $31.

Catherine wore an Alexander McQueen one shoulder gown which she first wore to the event in 2019. Picture: Getty Images

The Princess and Princess of Wales attend the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Picture: Getty Images

But Catherine’s thrifty look didn’t go down well with fashion followers.

“Wearing a dress twice which cost around £10k minimum weak, pairing it with high street earrings. 0/10 for trying to be frugal & relatable to a UK suffering a cost of living crisis. How much did her outfit cost when she went to visit the foodbank,” one Twitter user said.

Another observer was more blunt: “She’s too rich and thin to be dressing like this.”

Catherine’s gloves and earrings particularly caused a stir.

“The gloves and earrings look terrible!” said another.

An Instagram user posted: “My least favorite look of hers - the gloves are a hard NO. Think they are trying too hard to be modern.”

Not everyone was so harsh in their judgement however.

A News Corp reader noted: “Seemed quite appropriate to me as this is just a Celebrity Event, and not a solemn occasion. Cheap and cheerful flashy earings just contributed to the informality of the whole Event.”

A Twitter user commented: “Class is when you don’t need to prove to anyone how much you’re worth.”

Another royal fan tweeted: “Love that she rewore this and gave it a new twist!! Stunning.”

The event marked the first time the couple, who have made it their tradition to attend the biggest night in UK cinema each year, have attended in three years.

Prince William has been the president of BAFTA Awards since 2010 and Catherine has attended most years following their 2011 wedding.

The royal couple hadn’t been to the event for three years. Picture: Getty Images.

The royal couple were told how the late Queen Elizabeth II had been a “supporter” of the arts, and a feature praising the late monarch‘s patronage of the industry was shown to guests during the show.

Prince William blinked back tears as Dame Helen Mirren paid a special tribute to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Princess of Wales and Prince William speak to Emma Baehr, BAFTA Director of Awards & Content. Picture: Getty Images.

As a special video was played on screen, Dame Helen said: “Cinema at its best does what Her Majesty did effortlessly – bring us together and unite us through a story. Your Majesty, you were our nation's leading star.”

The actress, 77, has portrayed the monarch on the silver screen and on the stage, winning an Oscar and BAFTA Awards for her depiction in 2006‘s biographical drama The Queen.

The BAFTA Film Awards are an annual celebration of the extraordinary skills, talent and craft of the film industry.