Princess Catherine has received a nomination from a prestigious magazine, but some netizens who learned about the news wondered how and why she made it to the list.
On December 9, TIME magazine shortlisted Princess Catherine for “Person of the Year.” As the 42-year-old royal made the shortlist, social media erupted with divided opinions.
A netizen’s remark about Princess Catherine being a TIME “Person of the Year” finalist, posted on December 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/hellocanadamag
This nomination comes after the Princess of Wales’s health challenges drew global attention amid her royal duties.
In January, Catherine reportedly spent two weeks in the hospital for a “planned abdominal surgery.” This led Kensington Palace to say she would stay out of the public eye until Easter.
A netizen’s comment about Princess Catherine being a TIME “Person of the Year” finalist, posted on December 10, 2024 | Source: x.com/AshDCook
In March, conspiracy theories about Catherine’s whereabouts spread online. To end the rumors, the princess revealed her cancer diagnosis. She declared in September that she had successfully finished her chemotherapy treatment.
Catherine’s short-listing for the award is a hot topic online. One user bluntly stated, “If anyone could be less qualified to recieve such an honor… 🙄[sic]” while another chimed in, “Really! 🤦♀️🤦♀️For what being a spouse?”
Prince William and Princess Catherine at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in Marlow, England, on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
A skeptic commented, “This is gross. There is nothing she has done this year or any other to earn that title.” Someone else expressed disbelief, “OMG that is so funny and so very sad that someone actually thought that she was worthy 🤷♀️.”
Princess Catherine visits the Southport Community Centre in North West England on October 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another detractor shared, “There are more deserving people out there who do great things everyday. I take my hat off to Kate she has been through it this year and it is scary but no I do think there is someone else who deserves it way more.”
More netizens questioned why the magazine nominated Catherine, as they felt others deserved it more. Another remarked, “I don’t think she’d want this.”
Princess Catherine attends the Royal Variety Performance 2023 in London, England, on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the negative reactions, some expressed excitement for Catherine. “She is my absolute hero. What a beautiful and strong woman she is. An absolute credit to the Royal family ❤️,” a fan gushed.
Despite her rough battle with cancer, a devoted supporter believed that Catherine deserved to be shortlisted, declaring her “beautiful strong, and brave [sic].”
Before this year’s nomination, Princess Catherine was one of the runners-up for “Person of the Year” in 2011 and was on the TIME100 list of Most Influential People in 2013.
