Prince William faced criticism for not appearing with Kate Middleton when she revealed her cancer diagnosis. But a PR professional says it was the right call.
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- Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22.
- Some criticized Prince William for not appearing in the video statement beside Middleton.
- PR professional Dini von Mueffling said Prince William's appearance may have been distracting.
Kate Middleton quelled weeks of wild speculation by announcing her cancer diagnosis, yet some corners of the internet still weren't satisfied.
Kensington Palace released the video statement featuring the Princess of Wales, 42, on March 22. In the video, Middleton donned casual clothes and sat on a bench in the garden while delivering details about her health.
Although the video sparked waves of support from other royals, politicians, and celebrities, some netizens criticized her husband, Prince William, 41, for not appearing by her side. But Dini von Mueffling, a PR professional, disagreed.
"I think it might've been distracting to have William there," von Mueffling said. "Certainly, there would've been stories that followed about body language and their nonverbal communications and things like that. This is her story, and she's choosing to own it."
Von Mueffling owns an eponymous firm in New York City. Her clients have included Monica Lewinsky and Virginia Giuffre.
"I think her decision to do so was commendable," von Mueffling added.
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Critics also felt that Kensington Palace bungled the lead-up to Middleton's announcement. The weeks preceding the video statement saw conspiracy theories overtake the internet. Many speculated on Middleton's marital status.
Kensington Palace also faced a photo editing scandal that caused further frenzy online. At one point, even American TV host Stephen Colbert joined in on the rumors.
Mueffling said while Kensington Palace could have likely done more to silence speculation, she said Middleton may not have wanted that.
"I do think they could have done more, but we also don't know what Kate wanted," von Mueffling said. "It's clear that she has gone through hell, and she was in the hospital for a long time."
Mueffling pointed out the physical and mental strain that often accompanies such diagnoses, so "maybe she wanted to wait until she was strong enough to issue the message herself."
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Mueffling added that timing around the video's release might have also been a strategic choice for her three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Prince Louis.
"Also, the timing was particularly notable because they released it very late on the Friday before the beginning of the Easter holiday for the kids, so there wouldn't be paparazzi trying to get reaction shots of the kids and how they're doing."
Kensington Palace's initial statement said Middleton would not return to public engagements "until after Easter." Sources told People that the family will likely skip the royal family's annual Easter services in favor of a private weekend at home.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace told the Associated Press that Charles will join other royals at the Easter Sunday service this weekend in his first major public appearance since his diagnosis.
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