THE eyes of the world's media were once again focused on Grimsby yesterday, as we cleared up the controversy surrounding "the slip-up that never was" from the Duchess of Cambridge.
After video footage showing Kate did not reveal the sex of her baby – captured by reader Lisa Hewson, 32, of Healing – was posted on www.thisisgrimsby, the newsroom was inundated with calls from across the globe.
As exclusively revealed in the Grimsby Telegraph, the video shows the Duchess accepting a teddy from Diane Burton, saying: "Oh, is this for us? Thank you very much. That is very sweet of you."
Previously, a media frenzy had ensued after Grimsby woman Sharon Cook mistakenly believed she had heard the Duchess say: "Thank you, I will take that for my d..."
At the time of going to press, the footage clearing up the issue – which can still be watched online – had been watched 14,034 times.
And, as calls and e-mails flooded in from journalists as far afield as Italy and America, the British national press also picked up on the story.
By yesterday afternoon, both the London Evening Standard and the Daily Express were running our scoop on their websites.
BBC national journalist Josephine McDermott (@JosMcDermott) also tweeted: "Grimsby Telegraph triumphs with Duchess of Cambridge 'not daughter' footage" – sending the link to her 706 followers.
Meanwhile, Sharon's granddaughter said her gran planned to personally apologise to the Royal couple.
In a comment posted on thisisgrimsby.co.uk, she said: "She is appalled with the way this has got out of hand and would like me to clarify that although she has been offered money for her story, alongside interviews with multiple television and radio shows around the world – at all hours of the day and night – she has rejected all offers and wants nothing further to do with this story.
"She is personally sending a letter of apology to Kate to show her sympathy for any distress caused."
Mrs Cook herself was unavailable for comment.
