After the controversy, the shock. On March 22, in a video published on social networks, Kate Middleton revealed to the stunned eyes of the whole world that she was suffering from cancer. The future queen, with a pale face and deep voice, explained that she had to undergo preventive chemotherapy. A highly anticipated speech, which marked the end of a disastrous episode for Wales, particularly after the controversy over the doctored photo. In London, we met Marc Roche, journalist specializing in the British royal family. He reviews the recent events that shook the Crown and highlights the communication errors of the heir couple.
Gala.fr: How was the shock announcement of Kate Middleton’s cancer experienced in the United Kingdom?
Marc Roche: Nobody expected it. But it is clear that Kensington Palace lied since they had ruled out the idea of cancer. In my opinion, he should not have denied the cancer too quickly. Here again, this is a major communication error, due to the youth of the advisors or simply their lack of experience. The press didn’t know either, except for the privileged members of the Royal Rota, who were briefed a few hours before the official announcement. Quite simply because the video was revealed on Friday evening, and the Saturday newspapers are the ones that sell the most. We had to give them a little time before closing.
Why did the princess speak on video, and not through an official press release?
Kate Middleton is an amateur photographer, she worked in fashion, visuals are very important to her. She is always very attentive to her look, her image, she exercises constantly, she eats little. And as Elizabeth II always said: “You have to be seen to be believed.” What particularly struck me was the staging of this video. Alone on a bench in a garden, in jeans, with little makeup, the only regal aspect being Lady Diana’s ring. The British discovered the sound of her voice, it is very rare because she rarely speaks in public. Kate Middleton wanted to show herself close to the people, and in particular to address the young generation which is One of the weak points of the monarchy.
“After the retouched photo scandal, we had to intervene”
Should she have spoken up sooner?
After the retouched photo scandal, we had to intervene. I also believe very sincerely that she should never have apologized. This is not worthy of her rank, worthy of a future queen. Elizabeth II never apologized.
Has the doctored photo scandal tarnished its image?
Since the shock announcement of Kate Middleton’s cancer, everything has been forgotten. But there was clearly a big communication error. Behind the scenes, few people dare to stand up to Charles III, but also to Prince William. When Kate Middleton proposed this photo, no one thought to ask her if it had been altered or not. She must have retouched the photo herself, or someone close to her. It is certain that everything took place in the private sphere. This photo should have remained in the family album. During the time of Elizabeth II, great professionals were called upon, such as Cecil Beaton or Annie Leibovitz. But Kate Middleton and William want to control their image at all costs, which causes a lot of slip-ups. Finally, everyone can rest assured, no one will be sacked, the Firm has a very paternalistic side. You really have to burn down the palace to get fired, and Wales are having a lot of trouble recruiting. Moreover, they are looking for someone to strengthen their digital team but they cannot find anyone. At the same time, they offer a salary of 2,500 euros per month for the position, which is not really attractive.
What exactly is Kate Middleton suffering from?
According to a well-informed Source, everything suggests that she underwent a hysterectomy and that she suffers from colon cancer. As she explained, the Princess of Wales is undergoing preventive chemotherapy, which can be done at home, without having to go to the hospital.
“There will be no further communication on his state of health”
Do we know when she will resume her official commitments?
It will not be for Easter as previously announced. We’re talking more about June/July, perhaps at the royal races at Ascot. Knowing her concern to always appear at her best, she will return when she is completely recovered. One thing is certain: we should not expect a new press release. There will be no further communication about his state of health.
Can we compare the harassment of which Diana was a victim and that of which Kate Middleton was the target on social networks?
In my opinion, there is no parallel to be made, because Diana was no longer part of the royal family when there was all this harassment with the paparazzi. She was completely at their mercy. While Kate Middleton is very protected, very surrounded, she is not in danger. The only comparison that is necessary is this label “princess of the people, princess of hearts”.
“Prince William is very full of himself”
In the columns of Sun, it is Prince William who is nicknamed “the people’s prince”. Is this justified in your opinion?
It’s a simple shorthand because he is Diana’s son but the expression is not right. Certainly, he may carry out charitable actions like his father or his mother, but he has always evolved in a privileged aristocratic environment. He is very full of himself and hates familiarity. In my opinion, his brother Harry is much closer to the people. Notably because he served several years in the army, but also thanks to his Invictus Games project. He has skin-deep sensitivity while his elder is more of a cold-blooded animal. We must not forget that William was trained by his grandmother Elizabeth II, namely, to stay above the fray, even if it means being distant.
Would you say that the Windsors are going through a deep crisis?
We need to put the situation into context. If we compare these events to the major crises experienced by the Crown, namely the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, the annus horribilis of Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, with the separations of three of her four children and the With the fire of Windsor Castle, then 1997 and the tragic death of Lady Diana, the situation is not so critical. On the contrary, the popularity of royalty has reached a very high level, identical to the last years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The announcement of the cancers of Charles III and Kate Middleton caused a significant wave of sympathy towards the Crown.
Photo credits: Barlow Jane/PA Photos/ABACA
