When reporting the news that she was undergoing cancer treatment on Friday, the BBC felt the need to point out that there were “no edits” to the video, filmed by BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the corporation.
David Sillito, the BBC’s media and arts correspondent, led a segment 25 minutes into the programme on the frenzied speculation of recent weeks.
He said: “Rumours also circulated that the BBC was about to make an announcement. BBC News knew nothing, but BBC studios – the corporation’s separate production arm – did. They were filming today’s royal statement.”
Hopefully, the Princess’s characteristically calm and composed video message, recorded on Wednesday, will finally put a stop to the feeding frenzy.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, summed it up perfectly when he referred to her being “unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media” and being deserving of “the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family”.
There will doubtless still be those who question why we are only just finding out that she has cancer, despite the Princess starting a preventative course of chemotherapy in February.
But as Kate explained: “This, of course, came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
