Embarrassment for BBC: Broadcaster Issues Apology for Repeatedly Calling Princess Catherine ‘Kate Middleton’
The BBC has formally apologized after a lapse during its live Armistice Day coverage, where it repeatedly referred to Catherine, Princess of Wales, as “Kate Middleton.” This misnomer has drawn significant backlash from viewers and prompted criticism from politicians. The oversight occurred on Saturday, sparking a wave of discontent on social media and among royal observers who found the error particularly disrespectful given the solemnity of the occasion.
In its apology, the BBC acknowledged, “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 apologise. Throughout our Armistice Day coverage more broadly, we referred to Catherine by her correct title.” The broadcaster’s use of the term “errors” hints at several instances of the misnaming during the program, which was presented by Rajini Vaidyanathan. Although the BBC did not disclose the exact number of complaints received, they described the criticism as “notable enough” to warrant a public clarification.
Among those voicing discontent was Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford in Northern Ireland, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to remind the BBC, “the Princess of Wales has not been ‘Kate Middleton’ since 2011. Her correct title is Catherine, Princess of Wales. Get it right.” This incident coincided with a remembrance service held the previous Tuesday, where Princess Catherine participated in a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Last Post marked the beginning of a national two-minute silence in honor of fallen service personnel, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
In a poignant video message for Armistice Day, Princess Catherine emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating, “When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.” She added, “It’s not just about the past – it’s about shaping who we become in the future. Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience, and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment of silence, we are saying, ‘Thank you. We have not forgotten, and we will not forget.’”
Catherine has long been recognized as a dedicated and respected member of the Royal Family, noted for her strict adherence to protocol and her consistent presence at national events. Her advocacy in mental health, early childhood development, and family support has contributed to her popularity, often placing her among the monarchy’s most favored figures. Her recent engagements have highlighted her evolving role, particularly as she increasingly represents the Crown at significant state and commemoration ceremonies.
The BBC’s misstep, though not unprecedented in live broadcasting, comes at a delicate time for the Royal Family, which is under increased scrutiny following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The broadcaster aims to address the criticism with its apology, yet this incident has reignited discussions surrounding media accuracy and the respect due to titles, particularly during significant national occasions. As the conversation continues, it serves as a reminder of the responsibilities borne by national media in upholding standards of propriety during moments of collective remembrance.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/bbc-in-hot-water-broadcaster-apologises-after-repeatedly-calling-princess-catherine-kate-middleton-onair-11763384540114.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-17 19:07:00
