The BBC sparks a royal frenzy following Princess Kate’s coverage at the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance.
Princess Kate made a solemn appearance at the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum this morning – but the moment was overshadowed for many viewers when the BBC referred to her as “Kate Middleton” during its live broadcast. Royal fans watching from home erupted online, branding the stunt disrespectful.
The Princess of Wales, 43, stepped out in a commanding all-black ensemble, wearing a sharply tailored military-style coat and a dramatic wide-brimmed hat, a look that balanced elegance with the ceremony’s gravity. She joined veterans, military families, as well as senior officials in honouring the fallen.
Social media was quick to light up with frustration after the BBC referred to Kate using her maiden name several times, with viewers insisting that more than a decade after her wedding, and two years into her role as Princess of Wales the BBC should “know better”.
Princess Kate wore a chic black ensemble to the memorial event (Image: Getty)
Some fans argued that using her maiden name diminished the dignity of the moment, especially given the gravity of the ceremony.
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, “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.”
Taking to X, one person wrote: “Who is the moron calling the Princess of Wales “Kate Middleton” on BBC News?”
Another said: “Am I missing something? Is the BBC now not just left wing but also republican? “Kate Middleton” ?? ??? How bl**y disrespectful. This woman keeps on calling her Kate Middleton. FFS!”
A third wrote, “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 Kate looked sombre as she paid her respects during the two minute silence (Image: Getty)
While a fourth shared, “How dare the #BBC once again be disrespectful to Catherine Princes of Wales at the wreath laying (broadcasting now). Several times the woman presenter used her maiden name. I am fuming!!! I would name and shame if I knew who she is.”
Dozens of other people raged at the error.
Despite the controversy, the Princess looked impeccably styled for the occasion. She was snapped in a military-inspired Catherine Walker coat that featured subtle braiding. The design resembles an Officer’s Jacket or Commander Coat, which was fitting for the occasion.
The princess first appeared in the jacket in November 2019, when she stood alongside the late Queen Elizabeth and the former Duchess of Cornwall on the balcony, pairing it with a Philip Treacy hat.
The Princess of Wales last wore the Catherine Walker coat back in 2019 alongside the late Queen (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate often wears a cluster of three poppies to honour war hereos (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate was also spotted wearing two poppies, opposed to her signature trio of poppies—a subtle yet meaningful gesture of remembrance.
The Princess is typically known for wearing multiple poppies, a choice believed to honour those who have served and to reflect her personal connection to military families, making this year’s decision all the more notable.
Princess Kate’s touching gesture carried a deeply personal meaning, as it paid tribute to her own family’s history of service and sacrifice.
