Meghan Markle found herself in an uncomfortable situation at a Montecito celebration hosted by Netflix chief Ted Sarandos on Friday evening.
The Duchess of Sussex arrived in an olive green dress that closely mirrored the outfit worn by the night's guest of honour, Carey Mulligan.
The 44-year-old attended the launch event for the second series of Netflix drama Beef alongside Prince Harry, with fellow celebrities Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry and Riverdale actor Charles Melton also in attendance.
Ms Mulligan and Mr Melton both feature in the popular show, which premieres on April 16.
The Duchess of Sussex arrived in an olive green dress that closely mirrored the outfit worn by the night's guest of honour, Carey Mulligan.
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Whilst the majority of attendees adhered to a black and white dress code, Meghan stood out as one of only two guests dressed in green, sparking immediate commentary once photographs emerged online.
Critics on social media were quick to highlight what they perceived as a significant breach of etiquette, with many pointing out that Meghan typically favours neutral tones in her wardrobe choices.
One user on X/Twitter wrote: "I'd believe it was a mistake if it wasn't THAT colour. That's not a normal colour, and she never wears colour either, but the time she chooses to it just happens to be this really unique colour, the star of the party chooses?"
Whilst the majority of attendees adhered to a black and white dress code, Meghan stood out as one of only two guests dressed in green, sparking immediate commentary once photographs emerged online.
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An observer suggested the dress choice explained why the Duchess of Sussex appeared absent from the evening's group photographs.
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Another commenter described the incident as potentially "one of Markle's biggest faux pas to date”.
A third observer suggested the dress choice explained why the Duchess of Sussex appeared absent from the evening's group photographs.
The fashion incident occurred just weeks after Mulligan received a CBE for services to drama from King Charles at Windsor Castle on 31 March.
The 40-year-old Bafta winner was recognised in the New Year Honours following an acclaimed career spanning multiple award-nominated performances.
The 40-year-old Bafta winner was recognised in the New Year Honours following an acclaimed career spanning multiple award-nominated performances.
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Her breakthrough role in An Education earned her both an Oscar nomination and the Bafta for Best Actress in 2010, while her portrayal of Daisy Buchanan opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby brought further critical praise.
Ms Mulligan also secured an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Promising Young Woman.
The actress's forthcoming work includes a role in Greta Gerwig's Netflix adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, where she will appear alongside Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep, with the film scheduled for release this year.
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