Over the years, British tabloids have become notorious for their over-the-top, almost stalker-like coverage of celebrities and the royal family in particular. So it came as no surprise on Tuesday when the Daily Mail picked on Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, for showing off her "un-pedicured toes" during the royal couple's visit to India. But on Tuesday, those tabloids had some competition from India's most read daily newspaper, Times of India.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were in New Delhi on Monday, where they visited Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Some editions of the Times of India published a photo of the Duchess on their front pages with a rather unflattering description. Under the headline "Kate's Marilyn moment at India Gate" was a caption that read:
It was a solemn occasion as Prince William and his wife Kate laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Unfortunately, it was also a gusty afternoon, giving Kate some anxious moments as she struggled to manage her unruly £1,700 dress, reminding onlookers of Marilyn Monroe's iconic "white dress" picture.
The "Marilyn Moment", a reference to a scene from the 1954 film Seven Year Itch, where the actress stood on a subway grate in New York City wearing a little white dress and fought an upward breeze, was also spotted by entertainment websites across the world.
But Indians panned the Times of India for thinking that a skirt fluttering in the wind was news.
There were a couple of voices from the media that defended the photo:
And as a debate raged on social media over the ethics of publishing the photograph, many took some humourous potshots at the newspaper. Here's a selection:
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!