Why Kate should stick to using HRH

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge want to be known by their first names, without their titles, to appear more approachable after their difficult Caribbean tour in March. I’m not sure this is a good idea. While we might refer to them as ‘Wills and Kate’, meeting them is a big deal for people, and using titles acknowledges this. Sometimes a bit of pomp and circumstance is what we need; formality isn’t always a bad thing. I think being a bit detached can be helpful. There’s been a similar move in medicine, with doctors using their first names and calling patients by their first names, too. This sits uneasily with me. When you’re having an intimate examination, for example, using a surname helps to keep some distance. Maybe it’s old-fashioned, but I also like calling patients by surnames. It conveys respect and keeps a suitable emotional detachment. We shouldn’t mistake being caring with being intimate.