BBC Studios recorded Kate Middleton's announcement of her cancer battle and has released a statement regarding the filming.
During the Six O'Clock News on Friday (March 22), viewers witnessed an emotional pre-recorded video message in which The Princess of Wales courageously disclosed her cancer diagnosis. In the message, the mother of three shared that she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment following the discovery of cancer during abdominal surgery.
Kate said: "In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present."
The video, reportedly recorded on Wednesday, featured her heartfelt continuation of her journey: "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."
BBC Releases Statement Addressing Editing Allegations Following The Filming Of Kate Middleton VideoBBC Studios refuted claims of editing the video, affirming that the footage used was precisely as captured by the team. This same team has previously covered significant royal events such as the King's Coronation and Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
Regarding editorial involvement, BBC Studios clarified that they had no input in the content of the message. They simply recorded and provided the video to Kate's team, who subsequently made it public.
BBC Releases Statement Addressing Editing Allegations Following The Filming Of Kate Middleton VideoThis development follows a recent controversy involving the royals, wherein an edited photo of Kate and her children on Mother's Day sparked backlash. The image was later retracted by major photo agencies due to concerns over digital manipulation, as reported by the Mirror.
In response to the airing of the video, BBC Studios released a concise statement: : "BBC Studios filmed a message from the Princess of Wales at Windsor this week. We would like to wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery."
Chris Ship, ITV News' Royal correspondent, suggests that Princess Kate opted to announce her cancer treatment through a video format for a more "personal" touch. Charlene White, an ITV News presenter, referenced Princess Kate's video disclosure during the ITV News broadcast.
BBC Releases Statement Addressing Editing Allegations Following The Filming Of Kate Middleton VideoIn reply, Chris said: "If you look back to how the King revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, it was in a statement from Buckingham Palace. Kate has done it, I am told, in a video form because she wanted to do it in the most personal way possible. Yes, of course, it helps to silence all the conspiracy theorists as well, but she wanted to do the video message and it was a very moving message too. And she wanted to make that very personal statement herself."
