BBC Addresses Backlash Over Kate Middleton Coverage Amid Cancer News

Kate Middleton

The BBC is pushing back against public criticism over their coverage regarding Kate Middleton.

On Friday, April 5, the British public broadcaster responded to viewer and listener complaints over their reporting on the Princess of Wales, who announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message shared last month.

Despite being accused of covering the story in a way that has been described as "excessive and insensitive," the BBC released a statement to insist its coverage was always guided by "sensitivity."

While acknowledging that "not everyone would have approved of the approach we took," the BBC claimed in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter that its reporting "reflected the significance of this story and the outpouring of support for the princess from around the globe."

As we know, news of Middleton's cancer diagnosis came in the wake of mounting speculation about her whereabouts and wellbeing after she underwent abdominal surgery in January. In her video to the public, the 42-year-old royal shared that she had already started a course of "preventative" chemotherapy.

"As part of our analysis, we examined the intense speculation there had been in the preceding weeks about the princess’s health," the BBC continued in its statement. "We also reported on Catherine’s request for privacy and detailed the statement from Kensington Palace regarding the princess having the right to privacy in relation to her medical issues."

The outlet further claimed that their staff is sure to "always give careful consideration to the editorial decisions we make," while emphasizing, "our reporting made clear that this is a difficult time for the princess and the rest of the Royal Family."

"We have been mindful at all times to approach our coverage with sensitivity," the statement concluded.

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