It’s one of those moments in any journalist’s career and veteran BBC presenter Huw Edwards did it with aplomb, announcing Queen Elizabeth’s death to the British people via the public broadcaster.
Although Edwards “broke” the news live to air, he clearly knew beforehand as he was already dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the Royal family dies as a mark of respect.
Edwards had been presenting rolling news coverage when Buckingham Palace released its first statement which said doctors were concerned for the Queen’s health and family members were rushing to her side at her retreat in Balmoral in Scotland.
It had been a busy week for Edwards, having already covered the UK’s change of prime minister all week.
As is protocol, Buckingham Palace first alerted the British prime minister, other heads of state and Commonwealth leaders (including Anthony Albanese) of the Queen’s death before it was officially made public at 6.30pm UK time yesterday.
After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, Edwards told viewers: “A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Edwards then read out the official statement from the Palace which read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King (Charles) and The Queen Consort (Camilla) will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Edwards was quickly praised by social media for his professionalism, dignity and general ability to hold himself together.
One viewer tweeted: “Huw Edwards holding it together. You can see him welling up and holding it back. #bbc @bbcnews I don’t envy him at this moment.”
Another even called for Edwards to be knighted: “King Charles give Huw Edwards a knighthood! What a consummate professional, calm, sombre.”
Another added: “Also, respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72-hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina & professionalism.”
“Huw Edwards doing a brilliant job of guiding the country through such a massive moment in our national history. The perfect tone,” tweeted another.
Edwards had worked as a TV journalist for over 30 years and first joined the BBC as a news trainee in 1984.
Check out more of the social media reaction below:
