BBC criticised for ‘disrespectful’ blunder over Princess Kate’s name
The BBC has come under fire after referring to the Princess of Wales by her maiden name during coverage of her Remembrance Day appearance.
On Tuesday, Kate, 43, attended the service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark Armistice Day. Dressed in an elegant all-black military-style coat with a wide-brimmed hat, she led the solemn ceremony, laying a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives in conflict. The Princess joined veterans, military families, and senior officials in honouring the fallen.
However, eagle-eyed viewers noticed what they described as a glaring error in the BBC’s broadcast. During segments of the coverage, the network’s presenter referred to the royal as “Kate Middleton” instead of her official title, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The apparent slip prompted a wave of complaints online. Frustrated royal fans took to X to voice their displeasure, accusing the broadcaster of showing “disrespect” to the Princess.
“Can’t believe the appalling coverage on BBC. The Princess of Wales being referred to as Kate Middleton!” one viewer fumed. Another 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’!”
A third wrote: “How dare the BBC once again be disrespectful to Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the wreath-laying. Several times the presenter used her maiden name. I am fuming!”
The controversy came just days after Kate attended the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. There, she stood alongside Queen Camilla, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Kent, while King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Edward took part in the wreath-laying below.
For the solemn occasion, the Princess wore an asymmetrical black hat and a lace-trimmed scarf, completing the look with pearl drop earrings once owned by Princess Diana and an RAF brooch in tribute to her grandfather, Peter Middleton, a World War II fighter pilot.
The night before, she joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals at the Festival of Remembrance. Fans were particularly delighted to see her accompanied by her eldest son, Prince George, although he did not attend the Sunday service itself.
While the BBC has not issued a public comment on the naming slip, the moment has reignited debate over how broadcasters refer to members of the royal family — and how much weight such details carry in the eyes of the public.
