BBC presenter Gabby Logan has revealed she faced days of online abuse, including death threats, after referring to Kate Middleton by her maiden name instead of her official title, the Princess of Wales, during a discussion on the Sports Agents podcast. The incident occurred when Logan, alongside Mark Chapman and Nedum Onuoha, talked about celebrities spotted in the crowds at the 2026 World Cup, which is being held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Context of the Controversial Comment
Logan's remark came after her Match of the Day colleague Mark Chapman admitted he was often baffled by famous faces shown during 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 then shared her own experience: '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.'
Royal Fan Backlash and Logan's Response
Logan, a seasoned sports presenter, said the abuse came primarily from American-based social media accounts. She noted that the backlash accused her of being anti-Royal and failing to show proper respect to the Princess of Wales. The Princess of Wales, who has a strong fanbase, is known for her frequent attendance at sporting events, including Wimbledon and rugby matches.
The Princess of Wales's Sporting Presence
The Princess of Wales has been a familiar figure at major sporting occasions. In 2013, she was heavily pregnant with Prince George during Andy Murray's historic Wimbledon victory and could not attend. 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 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 2026
The 2026 World Cup has been one of the most celebrity-filled tournaments in memory, with cameras frequently capturing famous faces in the stands. Attendees have included Hollywood stars Salma Hayek, Tom Cruise, Owen Wilson, and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds. Hip-hop legends Jay Z and Travis Scott, as well as American football icon Tom Brady, have also been spotted.
