Although Prince William has used the name Kate in informal contexts in the past, he now commonly refers to her as Catherine. Prince Harry also used the name Kate in his memoir Spare. Even so, many viewers argued that a national broadcaster should use her formal title during a major state occasion.

Criticism mounted online. Author Adrian Hilton wrote on X that he did not recall the BBC referring to Princess Diana as “Diana Spencer” after her wedding, adding that the broadcaster should respect the name Catherine chooses to use. Another viewer expressed disbelief at what they called “appalling coverage.”

One user wrote that the use of Middleton was “bloody rude” and insisted that the correct form should be Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales or simply Catherine. She added that although she has always supported the BBC, the broadcaster “gets things wrong” far too often.

Following the backlash, the BBC quietly changed its headline to “Catherine and Queen lay Armistice Day wreaths as nation pays tribute.” Even with the correction, criticism continued online, with some calling the original headline “despicably rude.”

If you want this in a slightly more dramatic magazine tone or a stricter hard news tone, tell me and I will adjust it.