Good Morning Britain's Kevin Maguire triggered a wave of complaints after making a remark about Prince William during a live broadcast, leaving ITV viewers divided over his comments.
The journalist appeared on the programme alongside Conservative MP Kwasi Kwarteng to discuss Wednesday's leading stories, which featured the announcement that a special edition of Country Life, guest-edited by Prince William, had been published that day.
Prince William's Country Life Edition
The Prince of Wales showcased his eldest son's creative talents in the 300-page bumper edition, with Prince George's illustration of a Kingfisher taking centre stage.
Presenter Susanna Reid commented: "He's a major landowner through the Duchy of Cornwall and one of the purposes of editing the magazine is to set out his commitment to conservation, sustainable farming and rural communities. I'm sure the farming community will be thrilled that he's doing this, but they are currently in a bit of a political battle with the government, led, in a way, by Jeremy Clarkson."
Kwasi expressed strong admiration for the future King, calling him the "perfect" editor of Country Life Magazine, and added: "Going back to his role, given the Duchy of Cornwall has responsibilities there, he's absolutely the perfect editor for that magazine."
Maguire's On-Air Criticism
Nevertheless, Kevin remained far from persuaded, launching a harsh on-air criticism directed at Prince William. He said: "Does it include the complaints from tenants in the Duchy of Cornwall about rents and the poor quality of some of their homes?"
Kevin's comments ignited a response from viewers, with one person responding: "No, because it's a load of rubbish. The only home that had a problem was a tenant who wouldn't let anyone in to fix it. The rents are cheap. No one complains."
Another commented: "He gets criticism for owning land - now he will be criticised for selling off some. ALL landlords not only have expenses to cover on their property & land, but they also have the right to sell it." Also hitting out at the journalist, a third penned: "Any chance to tear apart William Kevin."
Mixed Viewer Reactions
Some, however, sided with Kevin, with one describing his comment as "spot on". Another remarked: "Look at how quickly the two hosts change the subject bc god forbid, Prince William is put to the same level of scrutiny as his brother, who does not take a cent from taxpayers."
Earlier this year, reports emerged that William is considering selling approximately 20% of his Duchy of Cornwall estate, with the proceeds to be reinvested in housing and nature conservation. The proposals could result in numerous tenant farmers across England being displaced, with as many as 40 farm holdings across Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire and the Midlands thought to be impacted by the sale.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX.
