On Saturday, March 8, the official Instagram account of the British royal family posted a tribute to its female members in celebration of International Women’s Day. The post showcased historical and current royals like Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Camilla, captured by female photographers, but the absence of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, sparked widespread backlash among royal admirers. Widely regarded as one of the most popular figures in the monarchy, Kate, a 43-year-old mother of three and the future queen consort, was left out of the tribute, prompting many to call it a disrespectful oversight given her prominence and contributions.
The post, which highlighted the royal family’s longstanding support for female photographers since the 19th century, featured images of Queen Victoria, Princess Anne, Queen Alexandra, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Rhys-Jones, alongside Elizabeth II and Camilla. The caption emphasized the tradition of valuing women’s work in photography, yet it made no mention of Kate, who has a well-documented passion for the art and has served as patron of the Royal Photographic Society since 2019. The omission quickly caught the attention of fans, who took to social media to voice their frustration and question the royal family’s decision.
While Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the controversy, the response from the public was swift. Comments like “Where is Catherine?” and “It’s a disgrace” flooded digital platforms, reflecting widespread discontent with Kate’s exclusion. The incident has reignited discussions about her role within the monarchy and how the institution manages her public image, particularly in a year marked by personal challenges for the princess.
Fans’ outrage and the significance of Kate’s absence
Kate Middleton’s exclusion from the tribute did not go unnoticed by her devoted followers, who turned the post into a battleground of heated debate. A fan account dedicated to the princess argued that she deserved a place in the tribute, pointing out that Kate not only enjoys photography but has also been photographed by acclaimed professionals like Millie Pilkington. The account stressed her history of engagement with the craft, often sharing personal snapshots of her children for special occasions, which ties directly into the theme of the tribute.
Admirers also emphasized Kate’s importance as the mother of Prince George, the future king of the United Kingdom. “Princess of Wales? Mother of the future king? The one who brings the most popularity and visibility to the royal family worldwide?” one fan wrote, listing reasons why her absence felt unjustifiable. With her global appeal and a track record of dedication, many saw the omission as a slight against the next queen consort. The perception that Kate is a cornerstone of the modern monarchy fueled the criticism of the royal family’s choice.
Other reactions were more pointed, labeling the exclusion a “disrespect” to the princess. The hashtag #WhereIsKate gained traction online, underscoring how deeply she is cherished as a pillar of contemporary royalty. The move also sparked speculation about potential internal tensions or an intentional shift to spotlight other royal women, though no official explanation has surfaced.
A challenging year for Kate Middleton
The year 2025 has been a notable one for Kate Middleton, making her absence from the tribute all the more striking. After battling a cancer diagnosis in 2024, the princess made a strong return to public duties, attending events like the National Service of Remembrance in November and the Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey. These appearances marked her gradual reentry into royal life following months of treatment, cementing her image as a resilient and committed figure.
Kate has also continued to champion causes like mental health and early childhood development, areas where her influence is widely acknowledged. In September 2024, she announced the completion of her chemotherapy, sharing an emotional message about the hardships she faced. Her return included engagements at Windsor Castle and appearances alongside King Charles III, who also dealt with health issues during the same period. Given this backdrop, fans anticipated that the International Women’s Day tribute would be a chance to celebrate her strength and contributions.
Her exclusion from the post stands in contrast to her efforts to maintain an active presence despite a tough period. While Prince William and Kate shared their own Women’s Day tribute on social media, honoring inspiring women like young photographer Liz Hatton, who passed away in 2024, the official royal tribute’s omission of Kate fueled perceptions of a misstep. Focusing on historical figures and Camilla without acknowledging Kate left many questioning the monarchy’s priorities.
Timeline of the controversy: From post to public reaction
The uproar over Kate Middleton’s exclusion unfolded rapidly, reflecting how quickly the issue escalated. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
- March 8, morning: The royal family’s Instagram account posts the tribute to female royals, featuring Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, and others, with no mention of Kate.
- March 8, afternoon: Fans notice the princess’s absence and begin posting critical comments on Instagram and X, where #WhereIsKate emerges.
- March 8, evening: Media outlets, including Metrópoles and Veja, report on the backlash, amplifying the controversy’s reach.
The reaction wasn’t confined to British subjects. Internationally, the story gained traction, with publications like Marie Claire noting the exclusion as a questionable move by Buckingham Palace. The lack of an official statement only intensified speculation about the reasoning behind the decision.
Kate’s role in the modern monarchy
Kate Middleton is often seen as a bridge between royal tradition and the demands of contemporary society. Married to Prince William since 2011, she has brought a modern touch to the monarchy, balancing elegance with relatability. Her passion for photography, rooted in her amateur experience, led her to take on the patronage of the Royal Photographic Society, a role that mirrors her personal and professional interests. She also uses social media strategically, sharing images that connect the royal family with the public.
As the mother of George, Charlotte, and Louis, Kate plays a vital role in the monarchy’s future. Her global popularity is undeniable, with millions following her appearances and initiatives. At a time when the royal family faces challenges in staying relevant to younger generations, Kate is a key asset, humanizing the institution and drawing positive attention. Her exclusion from a tribute celebrating royal women was thus seen as a significant misstep.
Comparisons to others featured in the post further fueled the debate. While Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II represent the monarchy’s storied past, and Camilla its present alongside Charles III, Kate embodies its future. Overlooking her in favor of less modern figures raised questions about how the royal family is positioning its public faces.
Key facts about Kate Middleton and photography
Kate’s connection to photography makes her absence from the tribute particularly puzzling. Here are some highlights of that relationship:
- Kate became patron of the Royal Photographic Society in 2019, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II.
- She often photographs her children for occasions like birthdays, sharing the images publicly.
- The princess has been captured by notable female photographers, such as Millie Pilkington, for official portraits.
- In 2021, she launched “Hold Still,” a project showcasing pandemic-era portraits, underscoring her commitment to the art.
These facts bolster the argument from fans that Kate deserved recognition in the tribute. Her exclusion overlooked not only her enthusiasm for photography but also her efforts to promote women in the field, aligning with the post’s theme.
Public sentiment and the royal image at stake
Among royal enthusiasts, the consensus is that excluding Kate Middleton was a mistake with potential long-term repercussions. “With all due respect, I think the Princess of Wales should have been included in this list,” wrote one fan account, echoing a widespread view. Highlighting figures like the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, while sidelining Kate was perceived as an attempt to balance visibility among royals, but it backfired.
The controversy also reignited discussions about the monarchy’s relationship with its subjects in the digital age. With social media amplifying every move from Buckingham Palace, the royal family faces the challenge of maintaining a cohesive, inclusive image. Kate’s absence, as one of its most beloved members, was viewed as a failure in that effort, especially in a year when her resilience amid personal struggles earned her even greater admiration.
Some observers suggest the omission might have been unintentional, a result of curating a focus on historical or less polarizing figures. Yet, the absence of an official explanation allowed speculation to flourish, from internal friction to a possible shift in the royal narrative. Regardless of the intent, the episode underscored the sensitivity of fans toward the Princess of Wales.
Kate’s future in the monarchy under the spotlight
Following a 2024 defined by health challenges, Kate Middleton entered 2025 with a renewed agenda, resuming engagements that solidify her leadership within the royal family. Her presence at events like Trooping the Colour in June 2024 and the Christmas concert in December showcased her determination to remain relevant. However, her exclusion from the March 8 tribute raises questions about how the monarchy plans to position her moving forward.
With Prince William increasingly taking on duties alongside King Charles III, Kate is gearing up for an even more central role as queen consort. Her popularity and social advocacy make her indispensable to the monarchy’s modernization. The backlash to her absence suggests that any attempt to downplay her could face significant pushback, highlighting how much she is valued by the public.
While the debate continues, Kate remains focused on priorities like shielding her children’s privacy and advancing initiatives such as early childhood development. The tribute she and William paid to Liz Hatton on the same March 8 demonstrated their independent approach to honoring inspiring women, even amid the royal family’s official choices.
