A public disagreement between two prominent Daily Mail commentators has erupted over their views on the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Richard Eden has directly challenged his colleague Peter Hitchens, stating he is 'wrong' for his recent criticism of the royal.
The On-Air Confrontation
The clash occurred during a segment for the newspaper's online channel, Mail+. Peter Hitchens had expressed a critical view of the Princess of Wales, suggesting her public role lacked substance. In a swift and firm rebuttal, Richard Eden interrupted, stating 'He's wrong' to the camera, before launching into a defence of Kate's work.
Eden, the diary editor, argued that the future Queen conducts her duties with genuine dedication and has wisely chosen to focus on a few key causes where she can make a real impact. He emphasised her long-term commitment to early childhood development, a subject she has championed for years.
Defending the Princess's Modern Role
Central to Eden's argument was the assertion that the Princess of Wales understands the modern expectations placed upon the monarchy. He countered Hitchens's scepticism by highlighting that Kate, alongside Prince William, represents a new generation of royals who are strategic, focused, and authentic in their approach.
Rather than engaging in a whirlwind of superficial engagements, Eden contended that Kate's deeper, project-based work on issues like the early years is more effective and respected by the public. This, he suggested, is a mark of her serious intent and a conscious evolution of royal patronage.
The Broader Implications for Royal Commentary
This frank exchange between two established voices at a major publication underscores the ongoing debate about the monarchy's place in contemporary society. It moves beyond mere gossip, touching on questions of:
- Modernisation: How should senior royals adapt their working styles?
- Impact vs. Visibility: Is sustained, behind-the-scenes work more valuable than constant public appearances?
- Media Scrutiny: What constitutes fair criticism of a royal's work?
By publicly calling out his colleague, Richard Eden has taken a definitive stand in support of the Princess of Wales's current trajectory. The incident reveals a clear split in perception, even within the same media organisation, regarding the effectiveness and nature of Kate Middleton's royal duties.
The debate is unlikely to end here, but Eden's forceful defence has firmly placed the argument for Kate's focused, modern approach to her role into the public discourse.
