Royal mystery: What is going on with Kate Middleton?!
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Why are the royals so bad at public relations?
Is the “Never complain, never explain” strategy that’s been used for generations of royals working?
| Why the Kate Middleton video wasn’t enough to quell conspiracy theories, according to PR professionals |
| On paper, it should have been the simple ending to the mystery. After months of the public asking, “Where is Kate Middleton?” came a video of the Princess of Wales, walking at a farmer’s market with her husband, Prince William.
The Sun and TMZ released the video a day after publishing a report that the prince and princess were seen shopping at an outdoor market a mile from Windsor Castle. The U.K. publication said, in a statement, it published the video “in a bid to bring an end to what the Palace has called the ‘madness of social media.'” Kensington Palace has not commented on the video. But the visuals, seemingly released in an effort to quell online chatter, have also led to more of it. Conspiracy theories have taken off, with public figures like Andy Cohen weighing in, writing on X “That ain’t Kate…” Actor Sarah Paulson agreed, replying “factual” in all caps. PR professionals aren’t surprised the video inspired continued rumors. The video’s efficacy hinged on public reception, Stacy Jones, founder of Hollywood Branded, says, and it was landing in a landscape of high skepticism. “In scenarios where skepticism runs high, any action can be scrutinized, potentially leading to accusations of manipulation or insincerity,” Jones says. The video still leaves questions about Kate’s condition.
“The video doesn’t answer the underlying question of where this woman has been for a number of months,” Debra Caruso Marrone, president and owner at DJC Communications, tells TODAY.com. |
