BBC Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan has been accused of being anti-Royal on social media after failing to use the title 'Princess of Wales' when referring to Kate Middleton. The incident occurred during an episode of the Sports Agents podcast, where Logan, alongside Mark Chapman and Nedum Onuoha, discussed the numerous celebrities spotted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Logan's confession on the Sports Agents podcast
Logan's remarks came after Chapman admitted he sometimes fails to recognize famous faces during live broadcasts. Chapman said: '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 added: '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.' She then recounted a specific incident at a rugby game: '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'.'
Social media backlash and accusations
Logan described the aftermath of her comment: '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 backlash highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding royal protocol.
The Princess of Wales has been a regular attendee at major sporting events, including Wimbledon. In 2013, during Andy Murray's historic Wimbledon win, she was unable to attend due to being 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.' Sue replied: 'But you had a great excuse,' to which the Princess said: '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.'
World Cup 2026: A star-studded event
The 2026 World Cup has been notably glitzy, with cameras frequently panning to celebrities in the stands. Hollywood actors Salma Hayek, Tom Cruise, Owen Wilson, and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds have been spotted. Hip-hop icons Jay Z and Travis Scott, as well as NFL legend Tom Brady, have also attended games. The tournament's high-profile audience has drawn significant media attention, but also led to moments like Logan's that spark debate over royal etiquette.
