Royals and celebrities are being advised by their representatives to be cautious about what they say in public, as lip-reading videos are increasingly posted online and translated within seconds. The phenomenon has led to private conversations being decoded and shared widely on social media platforms like TikTok.
Prince William was recently involved in a controversy after a video of him speaking to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was interpreted by a lip-reader for a Channel 5 documentary. The lip-reader claimed Mountbatten-Windsor apologised to William, who reportedly brushed it off. The documentary also allegedly captured King Charles saying “fuck me” and Princess Anne gossiping about the Duchess of Sussex.
A royal source expressed irritation at the growing trend, stating that lip-readers are used “with varying degrees of inaccuracy” to snoop on conversations that should remain private. Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, noted that royals are being warned about unguarded moments that could be recorded by cameras or mobile phones.
Paddy Harverson, former communications director to King Charles, said lip-reading was not a concern during his tenure 13 years ago, but social media has since amplified the issue. Arbiter added that he advised royals to avoid saying anything inappropriate during walkabouts, as lip-reading is a skill many possess.
Celebrity agents are also warning clients to assume cameras are always rolling. Videos from events like the Golden Globes have been decoded, revealing conversations between stars such as Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence, and Selena Gomez and Timothée Chalamet. One TikTok video with over 5 million views allegedly shows Olivia Rodrigo discussing a man she had been texting.
