BBC Issues Rare Apology to Kate Middleton After Remembrance Broadcast Backlash
The network received criticism over the Princess of Wales’ titles after covering the royal family’s Remembrance tributes
NEED TO KNOW
- Kate Middleton received an apology from the BBC following criticism over the network’s Remembrance Day broadcasts
- In a statement, the BBC apologized for referring to her as “Kate Middleton” rather than her official title as the Princess of Wales
- Many journalists defer to Princess Kate’s maiden name as “Kate Middleton” is by far the most popular search term for internet users seeking information on the royal
The BBC has offered a rare apology to the royal family, particularly Kate Middleton, after public backlash following their Remembrance Daybroadcasts.
In a statement on Nov. 14, the network noted that it had “received complaints from people unhappy that we didn’t use the Princess of Wales’ correct title during our coverage of Armistice Day.”
“During our coverage of memorials to commemorate Armistice Day, we mistakenly referred to Catherine, Princess of Wales as Kate Middleton; these were errors during hours of live broadcasting for which we apologize. Throughout our Armistice Day coverage more broadly, we referred to Catherine by her correct title,” the statement read.
Members of Parliament had even spoken out about the perceived gaffe. Jim Shannon, an MP for Strangford, Northern Ireland, wrote on X, “A reminder to @BBCNews to educate its broadcasters that the Princess of Wales has not been ‘Kate Middleton’ since 2011. Her correct title is Catherine, Princess of Wales. Get it right
