Kate Middleton's dress sparks controversy on the Bafta red carpet

The Duchess of Cambridge drew backlash from angry fans for defying the Time's Up protest by arriving at the BAFTAs in a green dress, instead of the black worn by the majority of the red carpet.

Film stars and directors made the one-colour statement to show support for the fight against sexual harassment against women, however only the ribbon around the pregnant Duchess's Jenny Packham dress was black.

With Hollywood still reeling from the fallout of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the dress code mirrors other recent American red carpets - including last month's Golden Globes - showing solidarity with the #MeToo and Time's Up campaigns.

Social media users rushed online to pass their judgement on the dress choice, and many were left stunned by Kate's refusal to breach the royal protocol which bans members of the monarchy supporting political protests. 

Nikki Long wrote: 'Disappointed in Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Not wearing black to the BAFTAs. It’s not a political thing. Its a woman thing.'

Kate wore an empire line dress in a deep shade of green, which was complemented by a dazzling emerald necklace and earrings.

Perhaps in a subtle nod to the movement, she accessorised with a black bow above her bump, matching her shoes and clutch handbag.

Before the ceremony, it was not made clear whether Kate would follow the stars' lead and wear an all-black outfit, with experts pointing out royals only wear black at funerals, so supporting the cause would be a breach of protocol.

Twitter users were quick to criticise the Duchess' decision to stick with the neutral dress.

A Meghan and Harry fanpage wrote: 'How does Kate not feel any shame sitting right at the front with a green dress while every other woman is wearing black. 

'Honestly, she should have stayed her a** at home if she wasn't even going to show her support for women.'

Anothers questioned why some royals were able to make political statements while others felt they couldn't. 

A Twitter user said: 'If her mother-in-law, The Duchess of Cornwall, can stand against sexual harassment openly and make a topic of it, then Kate can wear a black dress easily without raising any questions.'   

But not everyone had it in for the Duchess. 

One user going under the name of Stephie McStephface wrote: 'I think the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress is a smart move. Not black, so in line with protocol, but dark enough to be a nod of support.'

Another turned on those protesting, saying: 'Feminists show their true colours by bullying the Duchess of Cambridge because she chose not to get into politics and not wear black. This has gone too far.' 

And another Twitter user called Sue wrote: 'Anyone commenting on the Duchess of Cambridge's dress choice needs to remember what the issue is and it’s not fashion or colour choice. Grow up.'

In an open letter published Sunday before the awards, almost 200 British and Irish stars backed a new fund to help women facing sexual harassment and abuse at work.

It echoes a similar initiative launched in Hollywood last month, and was kick-started with a £1 million (1.13 million euros, $1.4 million) donation from actress and activist Emma Watson.

Daily Mail