Mark Borkowski, a public relations and crisis consultant, described the film as “a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image.’’
“Kate’s journey is profound and deeply personal, but they’ve learned that emotion can be controlled — and weaponized — in small, potent doses,’’ he said. “By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable.”
It’s the age of social media
The fact that the royal family needed new techniques for controlling its story in the age of TikTok and Instagram was underscored after palace officials announced in January that Kate would be hospitalized for abdominal surgery. While the palace released few details about her condition, social media sites were filled with speculation about what was really going on as Kate retreated from public view to focus on her recovery.
When the princess announced that she had cancer two months later, she spoke directly to the public in a somber video in which she asked for “time, space and privacy” while she underwent treatment.
In June, Kate released a video update, saying she had good days and bad days.
While the princess stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the king’s birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.
Now that she has completed chemotherapy, Kate plans to slowly return to public duties, “undertaking a few more public appearances” in the coming months.