preview for Kate Middleton ignores BAFTA black dress code in floaty green dress

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rubbed shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars as they attended the 2018 BAFTAs in London this evening.

The couple made their entrance via the red carpet - just after Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lawrence did - before being shown to their seats in the front row.

The Duchess wore a dark green Jenny Peckham gown with a black belt, paired with a statement emerald necklace and earrings set and black velvet clutch.

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Prior to the awards, there was speculation as to whether Kate would comply with the unofficial dress code of wearing black in support of the Times Up movement. There was a suggestion that if Kate did choose to wear black she would be making a political statement - something members of the royal family typically prefer to avoid doing.

On Sunday, Kensington Palace declined to comment on the Duchess' dress.

Kate Middleton Prince William BAFTApinterest
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Following a similar movement at the Golden Globes in January, the majority of actresses at the BAFTAs, including Octavia Spencer, Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, all wore black in protest against sexual abuse and harassment across all industries and to show solidarity with survivors.

The symbolism came on the same day a number of high-profile British actresses signed a letter in The Guardian announcing the launch of a new UK equality and justice fund to help stamp out sexual harassment and abuse across all industries.

Last year, Kate wore a spectacular bardot-style Alexander McQueen black gown with a printed floral design, while William wore a traditional tux and bow tie.

Kate Middleton and Prince William at the BAFTAspinterest
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Joanna Lumley hosts tonight's event at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time, taking over the reigns from Stephen Fry who was the face of the ceremony for a more than a decade.

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Olivia Blair
Olivia Blair is Talent Editor at Hearst UK, working predominantly across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Timothée Chalamet and Cynthia Erivo over the years.