Another slip up? BBC apologises over Princess of Wales name mix-up

WEB DESK: The BBC has issued an apology to Catherine, Princess of Wales, after repeatedly referring to her by her maiden name, “Kate Middleton,” during its coverage of Armistice Day commemorations. The broadcaster acknowledged that the mistake occurred during live reporting, with news presenter Rajini Vaidyanathan among those who used the incorrect name. The BBC clarified that, overall, the Princess was addressed by her proper title for the majority of the broadcast.

Armistice Day, observed on November 11, marks the end of World War I and serves as a time to honor all those who have died in conflict. This year, Catherine, 43, attended the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, leading the nation in a two-minute silence and laying a wreath on behalf of the royal family, a role reflecting her position as Princess of Wales.

The broadcaster’s apology comes amid heightened scrutiny following a series of high-profile controversies. Last week, the BBC also apologiSed to former U.S. President Donald Trump over an editing error in a documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance?” in which a 2021 speech was altered in a way he claimed misrepresented his words. While the BBC expressed regret, it rejected defamation claims and refused to pay compensation. The incident prompted the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness, marking one of the broadcaster’s most significant crises in recent years.

In its statement regarding Catherine, the BBC said it regretted the repeated errors but stressed that the Princess was correctly addressed for the majority of its coverage. The misnaming sparked complaints from viewers, reflecting the public’s attention to protocol when addressing members of the royal family. The incident underscores the challenges of live broadcasting, where even small errors can quickly draw widespread attention, especially during nationally significant events.