The Duke, the Duchess and the media

I was among the many to gather in Central London for their grand Royal wedding. I cheered for them and prayed that they live happily and inspire millions around the world through their acts of charity, grace and influence.

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are majestic. They are the modern symbols of Britain’s age old royalty.  But, I wonder if they should be at the centre of international media spotlight as they have been this week.

 They are in news for two reasons: one for their tour of south East Asia, which the BBC World Service news decided to treat as a headline in all their bulletins, and secondly for the publication of sunbathing topless pictures of the Kate Middleton by the French magazine Closer.

The second incident is very unfortunate but not utterly reprehensible. For long the British royal family has been a public diplomacy tool for Britain. They represented British values to the world and in the early days of post- colonialism it was quite accepted.

Lady Diana, the princess of Wales, changed things: single handedly and in a very non –conformist way she broke with the royal protocols and campaigned for causes that really needed global attention.

Things however have changed. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s global stardom (as the BBC likes to portray) has a lot to with fashion, youth and glamour. They are like what David Beckham and Victoria are to football.

They might be going around the world as the Queen’s representative, but it is the gloss and sheen of their visits that make news.  However, the manner BBC spoke about Kate’s first public speech in Malaysia was like a parent, who rejoices hearing a child speak for the first time -a strange obsession with the princess! The news is good for Britain but don't really know how it is important for the BBC World Service audience.

The BBC must realize that in the 21st century, people are least interested in things like public diplomacy and British values. It is worth talking more about the constructive side of things like the charities they have chosen to support and the things they do which actually make a difference to the world.

Outside Britain Kate is only a celebrity. I understand that her privacy should be fully respected but she should have been bit more careful. Topless sun bathing is very much a part of European culture and to be photographed in that context is not really a big deal.

International popularity has its own down side,but I hope that more responsible media like the BBC will mellow down a bit when they talk about Britain’s beloved Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge- the title sounds very ancient indeed!