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'Make him King instead of Charles': David Attenborough wins hearts with broadcast of Queen's procession

The 96-year-old veteran broadcaster was welcomed by royal admirers, who demanded that he be 'wrapped in bubble wrap' and kept 'protected'

LONDON, UK: Sir David Attenborough leading the broadcast of the Queen's funeral procession was a welcome sight for viewers of the BBC.The national treasure, who was born just two weeks after the Queen, appeared on the BBC on Wednesday afternoon together with Huw Edwards and Robert Hardman.

Sir David, a close friend of the royal family who had several encounters with the Queen, shared his impressions of the late Queen. The 96-year-old veteran broadcaster was welcomed by royal admirers, who also demanded that he be "wrapped in bubble wrap" and kept "protected."

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William and Harry put aside their acrimonious dispute to stand with their spouses, Kate and Meghan, in Westminster Hall to pay respect to the Queen as she Lay-in-State. The Countess of Wessex and Camilla, the Queen Consort, travelled in separate cars with Meghan and Kate, while the brothers walked side by side for the emotional 38-minute procession from Buckingham Palace.

Commenting on the outpouring of grief, Sir David said: "The actions of today symbolized dignity, and that life has a serious side - expressed by tens of thousands of people in a very moving afternoon."

He also commented on King Charles' passion for the environment, saying: "He shares that point of view about the relationship with the natural world and took extreme lines when they were not as popular or widespread as they are now. It came from his heart it really meant it - it couldn't be more important now than ever." 

His surprising broadcast elicited a strong reaction on Twitter. 

"Excuse me? It is a grey day. There’s possibly damp air. WHY is he out? Where is the cotton wool? Where is the bubble wrap? WHERE IS THE PROTECTION FROM ALL THE PUBLIC GERMS??? #DavidAttenborough," one user wrote. 

"Sir David Attenborough and Queen Elizabeth II were born in the same year, 1926. They shared a decades-long friendship. They worked closely and for five years they produced annual Christmas speeches. Both have been dedicated to a long service of duty. May QEII RIP," one noted. "I could listen to David Attenborough’s commentary all day. Born 2 weeks after the Queen. Our own Dumbledore," another wrote. "Can we crown david attenborough as our king instead of charles??" one demanded. 

The choirs of Westminster Abbey and His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace performed Psalm 139 as the Queen's casket entered Westminster Hall. Charles, William, and Anne saluted as the Queen's casket came in. Harry and Prince Andrew - barred from wearing military uniform - bowed their head instead.