Princess Kate’s video announcing the end of her chemotherapy has received overwhelming support from American viewers despite criticism in the British media, polls say Newsweek open.
The Princess of Wales shared private footage of herself with her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on social media.
And he opened up about how difficult it was to navigate his cancer journey in a narrative that played above personal family clips.
Newspaper columnists in the UK criticized the video for its slick presentation, which some said was more suited to advertising.
Redfield & Wilton, on their behalf Newsweekasked Americans what they thought of the message-and those who have seen the video, 80 percent said they approved Kate’s decision to announce the end of her chemotherapy that way, compared to 3 percent who disagreed.
Will Warr / The Prince and Princess of Wales
In total, 71 percent said the video was well-produced. Of those, 35 percent said it was produced “well” and 36 percent said it was “very well” produced, compared to 5 percent who said it was “not well” produced and 1 percent said it was “very good.”
The daughter’s video was seen by 27 percent of poll respondents, while 73 percent did not see it. The survey used a representative sample of 2,000 US adults and was conducted between September 28 and 29.
Kate’s Chemotherapy Video in British Media
Columnist, especially in Daily Mailthey are in scathing points about Kate’s video, with coming painting as contrived.
Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones wrote: “Suddenly and inexplicably, what started as a heartfelt message, a tonic, a relief after all the months of obfuscation, went down to the Boden ad. Or something Marc Jacobs could use to sell the scent.
“There are trees. And ferns, many ferns. The sun is shining. The kind of frolicking by children among agricultural machines and plowed fields that seems not in 2024, but in World War II, at least because old- soap opera camera special effects.”
Jones added: “Maybe that’s the message. Kate has been through hell, through war. And she won.
“However ‘extremely choreographed’ (that’s a word used by the typically sycophantic ITV News at Ten), the beautiful three-minute, soft-focus video released yesterday (September 9) is as misguided as the 1969 documentary that tried to portray the royal family as ‘normal’, backfiring too much, the Queen made sure not to look back.
Meanwhile, Richard Eden, the newspaper’s diary editor, quoted an unnamed Buckingham Palace insider who said it was manipulative and just like Meghan Markle would do.
Message from Catherine, Princess of Wales
When the summer came to an end, I couldn’t tell you how relieved I was to finally finish my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly difficult for us as a family. Life as you know it, can change in… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
– The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024
The headline read: “What Palace insiders say about Kate’s ‘manipulative’ film – and why I’m so concerned about Wales’ PR direction.”
And Marina Hyde wrote in The Guardian: “I felt no sympathy for the Princess of Wales who was stricken with cancer before releasing an intimate family video yesterday, and the company’s weirdness that resulted only exacerbated her situation.
“Watching a three-minute film, shot by some adman, I wonder who can feel anything, but it’s sad that a recovering post-chemo mother has to feel that this is the best option to keep a little ‘pleaser’. again. “
He continued: “This kindness suits the adults who, when Diana died, demanded that the queen leave her 12- and 15-year-old grandchildren grieving in Scotland to return to London to look after her instead.
“The selfishness and self-importance of a certain stripe of loyal subjects at best demanding prurient and at worst grotesque. We hear a lot about male gaze. The royalist view can do with unpicking others.”
What Kate Said in Her Chemotherapy Video
In the video, released on September 9, Kate said: “When the summer is over, I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have finally finished my chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been very difficult for us as a family. Life as you know it can change quickly, and we have to find ways to navigate the stormy waters and unknown paths.
“The journey of cancer is complicated, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, you can also face your own vulnerability in a way that you have never thought of and, thus, a new perspective on everything.
“This time most of all reminds (Prince) William and I to reflect and be grateful for the simple but important things in life, which many people often do. From just loving and being loved.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is my focus right now. Even though I’m done with chemotherapy, my road to healing and full recovery is long, and I have to keep taking it day by day.
He continued: “To all those who continue their own cancer journey, I remain with you, together, hand in hand. From darkness can come light, let the light shine.”
Jack Royston is the chief royal correspondent for Newsweekbased in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, on @jack_royston and read the story in Newsweek‘s Royals Facebook page.
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