Another awards show, another fashion ‘black out’.

Female attendees were urged to wear black on the BAFTAs red carpet as part of the Time’s Up movement to bring awareness – and hopefully an end – to sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

Almost everyone adhered to the code, with the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence, Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan and Angelina Jolie all sporting black on the red carpet.

Kate Middleton, though, seemingly ignored the feminist dress, instead donning a floor-length emerald gown.

Choosing not to honour the Time’s Up movement has been met with criticism across the board, with commentators implying that the Duchess of Cambridge is “above” or “indifferent” to the cause.

However, as a member of the Royal Family, the Duchess has to abide by a number of sometimes restrictively strict rules. For example, royal women are instructed not to take their coats off in public, as it’s deemed “unladylike”; they’re also unable to wear coloured nail varnish, and have to wear hats during any formal events.

Royals are also barred from making explicit political statements – which is why Middleton was not allowed to wear black in support of the #TimesUp movement.

As many eagle-eyed fans will have spotted, though, Middleton seemingly made sure to include not just one, but two subtle tributes to the feminist movement.

You’ll no doubt have noticed that Middleton wore a black sash-belt prominently around her waist, which many have already interpreted as a sly nod to the #TimesUp initiative.

However, the Duchess was more explicit in her choice of accessories: emeralds.

At the Golden Globes, as we’re sure you will remember, almost every attending actress added a purposeful pop of colour (and some extra meaning) to their all-black red carpet ensemble with emerald jewellery.

It was widely reported that the emeralds were chosen as an allusion to the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz – and, in particular, the iconic moment in which brave Dorothy Gale exposes the truth about the “man behind the curtain” (aka Harvey Weinstein).

Others pointed out that the precious stone has long been considered a symbol of hope, renewal and growth – one which, according to the experts at Crystal Vaults, inspires “an ongoing search for meaning, justice, compassion and harmony”.

We’re sure it’s no coincidence that Middleton decided to wear the same precious stones, too.

To donate to the Time’s Up Legal Defence Fund, which will provide subsidised legal support to women and men in all industries who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace, visit its GoFundMe page. Learn more about Time’s Up, an organisation of women in entertainment combating sexual harassment and inequality, on its website.

Images: Rex Features