Duchess of Cambridge slammed for not wearing black to BAFTAs

The Duchess of Cambridge was glowing at the BAFTAs in a deep green gown. So why has social media erupted in fury?

The Duchess of Cambridge at the BAFTA awards. Picture: Getty Images.

In the sea of black that now defines film industry awards nights, the Duchess of Cambridge stood out at the BAFTAs this morning (AEDT) in a deep green gown, her only suggestion of black a sash and her evening bag.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the BAFTAS.

But although she is normally lauded for her discreet elegance, Kate’s choice of dress this time was attacked on social media and ignited a debate over whether she should have gone dark in support of the #MeToo and Time’sUp anti-sexual harassment campaigns.

The Royal family are expected to be seen as apolitical and deliberately avoid making political gestures or statements. With Prince William president of BAFTA for the last eight years, the Cambridges would be expected to toe that line particularly assiduously on the British Film Academy’s awards night.

Regardless, the Twitterati expressed outrage that Kate wasn’t showing overt support for the campaigns by wearing black.

Well someone didn’t get the ‘all black’ memo did she?! 🖤 #EEBaftas #KateMiddleton #PrincessKate #MeToo #TimesUp #DuchessOfCambridge https://t.co/KH3yVm95lZ

— northernbirdy (@northernbirdy) February 18, 2018

One woman wrote: “It’s not like she was being asked to turn up dressed as a whoopee cushion or in bright yellow.”

Kate Middleton wears black ALL THE TIME too, it's not like she was being asked to turn up dressed a whoopee cushion or in bright yellow. #BAFTAs2018

— Rachel McGrath (@RachelMcGrath) February 18, 2018

Very disappointed in #DuchessofCambridge today. #KateMiddleton has been one of my role models for years but her not taking a stand with the #timesup movement speaks volumes on how far we have to go...if she can’t speak out then the royal family clearly needs to get with the times pic.twitter.com/WaLve023yP

— Jessica (@duchessCVT) February 18, 2018

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

— Rachel McGrath (@RachelMcGrath) February 18, 2018

Another called for Meghan Markle to take over the role of royal role model from her soon to be sister-in-law.

Dear #KateMiddleton your time is up! A black belt? Seriously? We're ready for our new role model in Meghan Markle! #BAFTAs2018

— Sal (@httpsxlmx) February 18, 2018

But others defended the Duchess, pointing out that as a Royal she couldn’t be seen to be political. One Twitter user said her dress “doesn’t mean she doesn’t support the movement.”

why are people coming for #KateMiddleton as a member of the royal family she can’t voice her opinion on certain things you muppets stop being so highly strung and get the stick out your arse please wearing a certain colour doesn’t mean that she doesn’t support the movement. twats

— saul goodman (@jhscyph3r) February 18, 2018

Another made the point that being heavily pregnant, Kate might have found it difficult to switch costumes.

People need to stop expecting the Royal family to act like celebrities. She didn't wear black because she can't wear black. Also logistically it may have been difficult to make a costume change being pregnant. #KateMiddleton #Baftas

— S (@LemonLattes) February 18, 2018

According to Variety magazine, the decision for nominees and guests to wear black was made only weeks before BAFTA night. BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry told the magazine: “I assume that will now happen throughout the whole awards season. Look at how quickly it happened [at the Globes]. That was only a rumour a couple of weeks before, or a suggestion.”

BAFTA winners

Frances McDormand was named best actor for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, edging out Australia’s Margot Robbie who was nominated for her role in I, Tonya.

Gary Oldman won the best actor prize for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour

Allison Janney took out best supporting actor for playing ice skater Tonya Harding’s ferocious mother in I, Tonya.

Guillermo Del Toro won best director for The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri won best film.