BBC Apologizes After Misnaming Princess Kate During Broadcast

The BBC has issued an apology following a misstep during its Armistice Day coverage, where the broadcaster incorrectly referred to the Princess of Wales as “Kate Middleton.” This slip occurred on November 11, 2023, prompting significant backlash on social media and complaints from viewers.

In a statement released on November 14, the BBC acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about the oversight. The broadcaster clarified, “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 use of “Kate Middleton,” her maiden name, was met with criticism. Jim Shannon, a member of Parliament for Strangford, Northern Ireland, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction, stating, “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.” This post received thousands of likes, indicating widespread agreement with his sentiment.

Catherine became the Duchess of Cambridge upon marrying Prince William in April 2011. The royal couple was subsequently named the Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles in 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

On Armistice Day, the Princess of Wales commemorated the occasion by visiting the National Memorial Arboretum. During this solo engagement, she participated in a Service of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial, observing a two-minute silence in honor of those who have fallen. She also laid a wreath inscribed with a handwritten note that read, “In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them, Catherine.”

In a brief interaction with photographer Arthur Edwards, Catherine confirmed her well-being, responding, “Yes, I am. Nice to see you. Hope you are keeping well.”

The official Instagram account for the Prince and Princess of Wales shared images from the engagement, stating, “Joining veterans, families, and serving members of the Armed Forces at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark Armistice Day. Today, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we commemorate not only the armistice signed at the end of World War I but also remember those who have bravely given so much in conflicts around the world. Lest We Forget.”

Just two days prior, on November 8, Catherine and Prince William attended the annual Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph in London, alongside other members of the royal family. Additionally, on November 7, the Princess attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, where her son, Prince George, made his debut at the event, marking a significant moment for the young royal.

The BBC’s apology highlights the importance of accuracy in referencing royal titles, particularly as public interest in the British royal family remains significant. As media outlets navigate live broadcasting, such errors can lead to swift public reactions, as seen in this instance.