ITV Rehashes Kate Middleton Story
Last night, Britain’s ITV network presented a programme called, Kate Middleton Vs Paparazzi. There was nothing really new in it, except they interviewed many of the in-crowd, including a major paparazzo.
The show spent a lot of time on the legal aspects, citing a European court judgement in favour of Princess Caroline of Monaco, who won the right never to have a picture of her published unless she gave permission. It seems Kate Middleton might expect similar protection.
What occurred to me throughout this discussion is whether it’s good for Kate herself, or indeed for the Royal Family, to disappear off the radar completely. Shots that are “in the public interest” are few and far between. Already, since her birthday Kate photographs have all but vanished from the headlines.
A prominent member of the paparazzi mulled over some of the pictures to decide which were iconic and would be republished in a century and more. The one that stood out for him was Kate putting out her rubbish bags and glancing sideways at the photographer with her tongue firmly in her cheek. She seems to be thinking : “Is this really interesting? Are you mad?”
Apart from that, the main interest in the programme was some eminent talking heads, from Ingrid Seward of Majesty magazine, looking considerably older than when I last saw her, to Sir Christopher Meyer, once Ambassador to Washington, now head of the voluntary Press Compaints Commission. There was even a psychologist analysing how Kate was feeling during various media scrums. Apparently, she has a great coping mechanism.
All agreed it’s a pretty poor show to harass the girl in the way the paps have done. Something must be done.
But what? The choice seems to be between more of the same or total obscurity. Perhaps Kate herself should decide.
John I do hope that Kate doesn’t choose obscurity, but I’m sure that having a little bit of time to regroup and recover from all of the outlandish media attention will be appreciated by her. It would probably be better if the paps just went back to snapping photos of her when she’s going out on the town and when she’s with Prince William. It does seem as if she has a good coping mechanism, but anyone’s patience can be stretched too thin in the right (or wrong) circumstances. Either way, I know that you will keep us informed.
By mapleleaf on January 26th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
If the Paparazzi were polite and respectful to people there would not be a problem but when there are quite a number all shoving a lens into someones face it is a different matter. Common courtesy such as asking if it is alright just might yield them results but I guess manners totally escape one when money is to be made.
By Trudie on January 27th, 2007 at 12:41 am
Well said, Trudie, that is exactly correct! Can you imagine the British press shoving a camera into the face of the Queen? Not in my lifetime! There is an excellent chance that one day Kate Middleton WILL be Queen Catherine. The press need to consider that and back off.
By Gigi on January 27th, 2007 at 12:48 am
Don’t worry in a few years she’ll be giving Hello an interview to discuss those once heady days as William’s girlfriend and almost-Future-Queen.
By mandy on January 28th, 2007 at 5:20 am
You may be right, Mandy, but I think that in a year or so, Hello will be publishing stores and photos of her and Prince William’s wedding!
By Gigi on January 28th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
With all the comparisons of Kate supposedly being hounded like Diana or even the way Princess Caroline is, the one comparison the press seems to miss is that William, like his father, is being pushed down the aisle (by the press and possibly royal courtiers) before he is ready to a woman who the establishment thinks is a good candidate. It remains to be seen if William thinks the same way or if he will several years from now when he has said he would start thinking about getting married.
By Alexandra on January 30th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Yes, I’m still looking for that December 2006 Christmas proposal that never came and then her birthday touted as an engagement coming by the press. All the press hype and still no engagement.
By mandy on February 1st, 2007 at 2:47 am
Haha, ok so I was buying groceries today and definitely saw a magazine front page saying that Will and Kate eloped! It said that they had a small ceremony in the Caribbean or something, and are planning a full out public royal wedding for later in the year, but that technically, they already got married. It even had quotes of what Will supposedly said in his vows. Sheesh. *I* knew that it must be a fake of course, since I would have heard it here first, haha.
Thought you might enjoy this “news”.
By Lauren on February 1st, 2007 at 3:01 am
The press has to make up something after the Egg on their faces, from no Official Proposal at Christmas or her birthday as they so breathlessly told us everyday for months.
By mandy on February 1st, 2007 at 3:06 am
Apparently today’s teenagers have pretend marriages to see what it would be like. This story sounds like an echo of that.
By John on February 1st, 2007 at 9:33 am
Mandy, the story was that an engagement would be celebrated privately at Chrismas, but that no public announcement would be made until later this year.
By John on February 1st, 2007 at 9:35 am