Controversy has erupted over the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress choice for last evening’s BAFTAs.
As there was an “all-black” dress code for women in honour of the recent #TimesUp and #MeToo movements, many assumed Her Royal Highness would show solidarity with the movement by wearing black. However, when she and the Duke of Cambridge arrived at the Royal Albert Hall last night, she stepped out in a dark forest green gown by Jenny Packham.
The gown featured a thin black sash around the middle, and she carried a black bag. Some have taken this a subtle sign from the Duchess that she is in support of the movement. Kensington Palace has refused to comment on whether or not the sash and clutch were a sign of solidarity.
Of course, the Royal Family are discouraged from making any political statements and Her Royal Highness wearing black could have been seen as breaching protocol by supporting a political movement. However, this hasn’t stopped many from expressing their dismay on social media for what they deem as a lack of support for such a significant movement as well as a lack in showing support for the many victims of sexual assault and harassment across the entertainment industry.
Not everyone was disapproving of Her Royal Highness’s look, though, with others thinking her choice appropriate as a high ranking member of the Royal Family.
Last night, most actresses in attendance kept to the similar dress code as the 75th Golden Globes in January where actresses dressed in black as a show of solidarity. Likewise, the Grammys saw attendees wearing or carrying white roses for the same purpose.
The #TimesUp and #MeToo movements developed late last year after explosive revelations about influential Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s decades-long sexual assaults and harassments were exposed by The New York Times and New York Magazine, causing an avalanche of anger and condemnation across the entertainment industry as well as other sectors, including politics.
Tell us what you think. Should the Duchess have worn an all-black ensemble or was her dark green ensemble more appropriate for a member of the Royal Family? Let us know in the comments below!
