The Princess of Wales proved she is as ‘an excellent communicator’ as the late Queen – in a moving video message revealing her cancer diagnosis – a royal expert has said.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Richard Fitzwilliams said that although Elizabeth II “grew up in a different era and probably wouldn’t have broadcast”, there are nods to the late monarch’s personal language and especially to her moving speech on the coronavirus, which was delivered by more people were viewed. than 23 million people.
He explained that Kate Middleton, 42, imitated her grandmother by using relatable references and creating a message where she “spoke to millions” that felt deeply personal and from the heart.
The princess in particular channeled Elizabeth – who was known as ‘one-take Windsor’ for her skill with recorded messages – when she spoke about her experiences as a parent.
Richard says he was particularly reminded of two speeches from the late Queen: her moving tribute to Princess Diana and her message during the Covid pandemic in which she promised that ‘we will meet again’.
The Princess of Wales has proven she is as ‘an excellent communicator’ as the late Queen – in a moving video message revealing her cancer diagnosis – a royal expert has said
Recalling Elizabeth’s televised speech on September 5, 1997 – after Prince William and Prince Harry’s mother had died – he recounted how she referred to herself as ‘your queen and grandmother’, leaving the audience emotionally charged.
“We’ve all tried to cope in our different ways,” she added.
‘It is not easy to express a sense of loss because the initial shock is often followed by a mixture of other feelings: disbelief, incomprehension, anger – and concern for those left behind.’
“That resonated, the way she dealt with it,” Richard explained.
In her video, Kate also spoke from the point of view of a mother who, along with her husband, “took the time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and reassure them that she is going to be OK.” are’.
“As I told them; I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit,” she continued.
‘Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.”
Richard also drew comparisons to Queen Elizabeth’s “inspiring” and “galvanizing” coronavirus TV address to the nation in April 2020.
He explained that Kate Middleton, 42, (right) emulated her grandmother (left in 2020) by using relatable references and crafting a message of “speaking to millions” that felt deeply personal and from the heart.
Richard says he was particularly reminded of two speeches from the late Queen: her moving tribute to Princess Diana (pictured) and her message during the Covid pandemic in which she promised that ‘we will meet again’.
Her Majesty’s deeply personal speech evoked Britain’s stoicism during the Second World War, with viewers admitting to having a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes as she echoed Dame Vera Lynn’s words: ‘We will meet each other meet again’.
It was revealed that more than 23 million people in Britain – three out of every four people watching TV that night – tuned into the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 at 8pm, leaving it just outside the top 10 most watched broadcasts of all time. at the time in Great Britain.
There were still around five million viewers short of Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement on March 24, which was watched by 27.1 million people.
Royal commentators said her “deeply moving” words will have inspired confidence boosted the morale of an interventionist hailed as the “finest moment” in her reign.
Dickie Arbiter, who was the Queen’s press secretary from 1988 to 2000, told MailOnline at the time: ‘The Queen’s words will have stimulated and moved millions of people watching at home.
‘This was a very personal speech – this was her message, in her own words. She spoke to the nation as head of state, but also as a mother, whose eldest son Charles has battled the virus, and as a woman self-isolating with her husband Prince Philip.
In her video, Kate also spoke from the point of view of a mother who, along with her husband, “took the time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and reassure them that she is going to be OK.” are’. The young family in the photo in 2022
Richard said the late monarch would also not have been so personally the victim of “horrendous” rumors and conspiracy theories. Kate and the late Queen pictured in 2012
‘They are both well into their nineties and belong to the most vulnerable age group. Her speech was powerful because we are all going through the same thing.”
Richard explained that in an equally poignant thread, both Kate and Elizabeth – although discussing completely different topics – captured very universal feelings.
Speaking about the video of the Princess of Wales, he continued: ‘It was deeply moving, she spoke to millions who had a sense of her experience and invited others to join her on this journey.’
The expert also pointed out that a key difference is that Kate “raised something that the Queen has never had to deal with.”
“It’s the age of social media,” he continued. “But the Queen would have been senior enough not to have to worry about it.”
Richard said the late monarch would also not have been so personally the victim of “horrendous” rumors and conspiracy theories.
Furthermore, he stressed that Kate’s broadcast is “unique”, especially considering the relaxed, accessible setting – while the Queen preferred royal backdrops.
Furthermore, he stressed that Kate’s broadcast is “unique”, especially considering the relaxed, accessible setting – while the Queen preferred royal backdrops. Both pictured in 2012
“You could say there is a reference in the way they communicated,” the royal expert said. ‘But these are of course completely unique situations.’
In a deeply personal, unprecedented and emotional video message filmed in Windsor on Wednesday, Catherine revealed that the news had come as a “huge shock” and that she and William have “done everything we can to process and manage this privately.” of our young family’.
It came days after she was seen smiling with Prince William as they left their favorite farm shop close to their home in Windsor, and she said her husband had been “a great source of comfort and reassurance” during her battle with cancer.
Catherine’s cancer was only discovered after she underwent major abdominal surgery at the London Clinic in January.
Kensington Palace has said it will not share details about what type of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is, and has asked people not to speculate.
The King – who is currently undergoing cancer treatment himself – and the Queen were both informed of the news. In a statement this evening, His Majesty said he is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage to speak as she did’ and that he remains ‘in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’.
The king and queen said they “will continue to offer their love and support to the entire family during this difficult time.”