Interesting point. Kate was in the public eye for years and at the center of the off again / on again relationship with William. Diana was a bit of a surprise to the press and public, and the marriage to Charles occurred relatively quickly. I think a long time seeing and hearing “Kate Middleton” in the media may be the reason. Thoughts?
I often hear “Middleton” on these shores but what surprise me is that it was a British newspaper in this post that called her by her maiden name. After 4 years people should know who she is as D of C. Maybe it’s because it’s D of C rather than Princess Kate. D of C is perhaps a bit formal and faceless. Compare “D of C” to “Princess Diana”. I think that might explain it.
The only people who refer to her as such is ‘the media’ who always presume a familiarity they have not earned.
When it was Diana they referred to her by her first name only conveniently omitting the Princess title when they felt like it.