The Met Gala, which is famed for its exclusivity and strict guest list policies, is just around the corner. However, this year, a surprising name has fans and insiders confused. When Nicole Kidman’s 17-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, was reported to be attending the 2026 event, many began to wonder what was really going on behind the scenes. This comes fresh after the Met Gala tightened its boundaries for attendees younger than the age of 18 back in 2018, citing its late-night events to be inappropriate for younger people. 

Now, whether Sunday Rose's will be a simple appearance, or cost one of the Gala’s long-standing rules is up for debate. 

Stars from all over the world are about to come together and walk the red carpet for the biggest night of fashion. However, beyond the glamour and red carpet buzz, there is a rule that many do not often discuss. The Met Gala has a strict age restriction of 18 years and over.  

The organizers put the rule in place in 2018 because the high-profile, late-night event is reportedly not suitable for minors. The policy officially excludes children and teenagers, making the gala an adults-only event. Ms. Kidman Urban’s appearance at the 2026 Met Gala technically breaks the age policy of 18 and over.

Nevertheless, Sunday Rose's attendance, which her mother herself confirmed while speaking on the Las Culturistas podcast in early 2026, might not be a complete rule-breaking, as Anna Wintour seems to have made an exception. Since she is a guest of co-chair Nicole Kidman, a "rules for some" situation can be applied here. 

However, the same was not applied for the then 15-year old model and dancer Maddie Ziegler. Back in 2018, the model declared that she will be skipping the event for obvious reasons.

“I can’t go, because I’m not old enough,” she had revealed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Rihanna’s Most Talked-About Met Gala Looks That Broke the Internet

What makes the Met Gala so exclusive is not just the red carpet, but the strict rules that quietly shape the night. 

Behind all the bling, the Met Gala is run by a code of carefully guarded rules that shape the night. From the behavior of the guests to what is allowed inside, the rules help to keep the exclusivity and the image of the event. Along with the no-phone rule, they also have the no-smoking rule. The 2017 Met Gala was the first year they explicitly banned smoking. 

After several celebrities posted images of themselves smoking in the bathroom, guests now must use the designated smoking area. Additionally, the event is exclusive and by invitation only, and the attendees must be over the age of 18. Guests cannot attend the event unless they get an invite from Wintour. 

Also, since the Met Gala is a fundraiser for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, all guests must pay to attend. Designers usually pay, not celebrities. However, the Met Gala is still as exclusive and controlled as it ever was.  Sunday Rose Kidman Urban’s style may be a departure from the rules, but it also serves as a reminder that exceptions can be made behind the scenes. Still under the watchful eye of Anna Wintour, the gala continues to follow these strict rules to maintain its secrecy.

Zendaya’s Stylist Law Roach Breaks Down How a Met Gala Outfit Comes to Life

What do you think about Sunday Rose Kidman Urban attending the Met Gala despite being under 18? Let us know in the comments.