BBC Apology After Princess Kate Name Gaffe
The BBC has issued a public apology after making a significant error during its Armistice Day coverage — just days after apologizing to Donald Trump over a separate controversy.
BBC Criticized for Misnaming the Princess of Wales
During the live broadcast, presenter Rajini Vaidyanathan repeatedly referred to Catherine, Princess of Wales, by her maiden name, Kate Middleton.
Viewers quickly complained about the mistake, calling the coverage “disrespectful” and “unprofessional.”
In a statement, the BBC said:
“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. Across the wider coverage, we referred to Catherine by her correct title.”
Another Embarrassing Gaffe After Trump Editing Scandal
The incident adds to the broadcaster’s recent troubles.
It follows backlash over misleading editing of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump in a Panorama documentary. Trump has stated that he intends to sue the BBC for at least $1 billion in damages.
In the wake of the scandal, both Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness resigned, taking “full responsibility” for editorial failures under their leadership.
Princess Kate Hosts Landmark Early Childhood Summit
The apology came as the 43-year-old Princess of Wales hosted a major summit focused on early childhood development, urging business leaders to invest in the early years of children’s lives.
The event featured a keynote conversation with former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, along with notable guests such as rapper Professor Green, actress Giovanna Fletcher, and former England rugby star Ugo Monye.
At the event in London’s Bishopsgate, five new business initiatives were announced to support families with babies and young children.
Princess Kate Highlights the Importance of Early Love and Nurturing
In an inspiring speech, the Princess said:
“My passion stems from one essential truth — that the love we feel in our earliest years fundamentally shapes who we become and how we thrive as adults.”
She emphasized that love creates the foundation for healthy emotional development:
“Love is the first and most essential bond… an invisible thread woven with time, attention and tenderness, creating meaningful environments around a child.”
Sir Gareth Southgate also spoke at the summit, noting that it is “much harder” to build trust with players who lacked a secure family background, reinforcing the event’s message.
What to Know
BBC issued an apology for misnaming Princess Kate during Armistice Day coverage.
The mistake came shortly after another BBC controversy involving edited Trump footage.
Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness resigned over broader editorial failures.
Princess Kate hosted a major summit focused on early childhood development and the importance of early-years investment.
Key attendees included Sir Gareth Southgate, Professor Green, Giovanna Fletcher, and Ugo Monye.
