Kate Middleton ‘Plastic Princess’ Debate: Hilary Mantel Defends Comments

Hilary Mantel has been forced to explain why she described Kate Middleton as a ‘shop-window mannequin’

Kate Middleton and Hilary Mantel
Kate Middleton and Hilary Mantel
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Hilary Mantel has been forced to explain why she described Kate Middleton as a ‘shop-window mannequin’

Kate Middleton was dubbed a shop-window mannequin last month by award-winning novelist, Hilary Mantel, but now the writer has been forced to explain herself, after a media storm that saw David Cameron leaping to the Duchess of Cambridge’s defense.

NOVELIST HILARY MANTEL HITS OUT AT KATE MIDDLETON

Hilary Mantel began to justify her comments starting off as saying: ‘I have absolutely nothing to apologise for.’ Speaking to BBC Radio 3’s Night Waves programme she explained how her words had been taken out of context and she was in fact, very supportive of the royal, adding: ‘I have absolutely no regrets. What I said was crystal clear.’

Although she did touch on the backlash she faced after writing that Kate Middleton was ‘gloss-varnished’ whose only purpose was to breed. Mantel said she was set up as a ‘hate figure’ and her words were taken ‘completely out of context.’

DAVID CAMERON DEFENDS KATE MIDDLETON OVER HILARY MANTEL COMMENTS

In fact, she went on to explain what her original intention was adding: ‘My lecture and the subsequent essay was actually supportive of the Royal Family and when I used those words about the Duchess of Cambridge, I was describing the perception of her which has been set up in the tabloid press.’ NOVELIST BARARA TAYLOR WADES IN ON KATE MIDDLETON DEBATE

Unlike what has been reported Hilary Mantel is tremendously supportive of Kate Middleton, as she revealed: ‘My speech ended with a plea to the press and to the media in general. I said “back off and don't be brutes; don't do to this young woman what you did to Diana.”’

And that sentiment is something we all share.

What do you make of Hilary Mantel’s explanation of her original Kate Middleton essay? Do you agree with her? Share your thoughts below.

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