BBC under fire over 'disrespectful' mistake about Princess Kate
BBC repeatedly calling her “Kate Middleton”, a title she has not used since marrying Prince William
The BBC has issued an apology to Princess Kate after mistakenly referring to her by the wrong title during its Armistice Day coverage.
While the Princess of Wales attended a solemn commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, viewers noticed the broadcaster repeatedly calling her “Kate Middleton”, a title she has not used since marrying Prince William in 2011.
In a statement, the BBC acknowledged the error, saying: "Throughout our Armistice Day coverage more broadly, we referred to Catherine by her correct title."
However, the mistake had already sparked a wave of criticism online.
Royal supporters took to social media to express their frustration, calling the slip “disrespectful” and “unacceptable” during such a significant national moment.
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, wrote: "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."
One user posted: "Who is the moron calling the Princess of Wales “Kate Middleton” on BBC News?"
Another fumed: "Am I missing something? Is the BBC now not just left-wing but also republican? “Kate Middleton”?”
A third viewer added: "Can somebody have a word in the ear of your reporter at the National Memorial Arboretum - she should not be referring to the Princess of Wales as 'Kate Middleton'!!"
Princess Catherine officially became the Princess of Wales in 2022, following King Charles III’s proclamation that William and Catherine would assume their new Wales titles.
