BBC presenter Gabby Logan has revealed that she received death threats from online royalists after referring to Kate Middleton by her maiden name instead of her official title, the Princess of Wales, during a World Cup broadcast.
Logan's Admission on Sports Agents Podcast
Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast alongside Mark Chapman and Nedum Onuoha, Logan discussed the array of celebrities spotted at the World Cup, which is being held across North America. The conversation turned to the challenge of identifying famous faces in the crowd during live broadcasts.
Chapman, a colleague from Match of the Day, shared his own confusion: 'Occasionally on some live games that I've done, when you do the build-up and occasionally they've then cut someone up in the crowd. And I've looked at it and thought, I've absolutely no idea. And then they'll tell me in my ear who it is. And I'm thinking, I still have absolutely no idea who that is. I can't mention it in case I pronounce it wrong, or heaven forbid, look out of touch.'
Logan's Mistake and the Backlash
Logan responded: 'I hate them doing that and not knowing, though, don't you? Like, I then kind of want to know why we're cutting this person? If I don't know who they are, please tell me so that I can. I did know this person when it was cut up once at a rugby game. It was Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, but I didn't call her that. I said, "Oh, Kate Middleton is in the house". Can I tell you how many days of abuse I got from mainly American-based accounts telling me that basically I needed to be beheaded because I was anti-Royal. I "didn't realise how incredible this woman was". I mean, she has got a loyal fan base.'
The Princess of Wales and Her Sporting Passion
The Princess of Wales has been a regular attendee at sporting events, demonstrating her dedication as a supporter. In 2013, she was unable to attend Wimbledon when Andy Murray won the championship for the first time, as she was heavily pregnant with Prince George. She later told former BBC sports presenter Sue Barker in the documentary Our Wimbledon: 'I was very heavily pregnant with George so I wasn't able to turn up. I know, but even still. I was sort of, "Maybe I could go" but the doctors were like "No." I wrote to [Andy Murray] afterwards saying sorry for not being there, but huge congratulations.'
Star-Studded World Cup
This year's World Cup has been one of the most celebrity-filled tournaments in recent memory, with cameras frequently capturing famous faces in the stands. Among those spotted are Hollywood stars Salma Hayek, Tom Cruise, Owen Wilson, and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds. Hip-hop legend Jay Z, Travis Scott, and American football icon Tom Brady have also been seen enjoying the matches.
