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BBC’s Huw Edwards hailed by viewers for his ‘extraordinary’ broadcast of Queen’s death

Veteran broadcaster Huw Edwards has been praised for the way in which he delivered the news of the Queen’s death on BBC One

LONDON: The United Kingdom lost its beloved Queen and the longest reigning monarch in its history on Thursday, September 8. On the one hand, the whole world has come together to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, on the other, many on the Internet have applauded BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards. The veteran journalist was appreciated for delivering the news calmly and respectfully on BBC One.

Edwards had been constantly breaking the news that the 96-year-old's doctors are "concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral,” according to Buckingham Palace. Later in the day, an official statement confirmed that the monarch had died. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” the statement added.

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The 61-year-old then told the audience, “It's a seismic event, it's the longest reigning monarch in British history, who has left us at the age of 96. And it's not a surprise when someone of that age suffers ill health and eventually passes away but what is left of course is the reflection on what was achieved and the kind of life that was led, and the sense of duty and a sense of loyalty.”

Donning a black suit and tie, Edwards continued, “And as [BBC Royal correspondent] Nick [Witchell] was saying, the sense of humility, which seems rather bizarre to say for a monarch, as someone who had a sense of service to others. And this was a theme that was repeated so often in the Queen's statements and at great milestones in her life.”

The Welsh newsreader also added, “Let’s dwell now on the impact on the people of the United Kingdom, for whom the Queen has been this symbol, not just of authority, but as a symbol of real solidity and consistency over the years. Taking that symbol away, albeit with a new monarch, King Charles III, who’s a very familiar figure, but taking that symbol away will have an effect on people’s lives, even those who are not dedicated monarchists.”

Edwards’ poised coverage won several people’s hearts as film writer Caspar Salmon tweeted, “Huw Edwards has done an incredible job, and I mean this mostly unironically, of being visibly and audibly on air while saying absolutely nothing at all for several hours - an extraordinary feat, like Molly Bloom's monologue.” Comedian David Baddiel shared, “It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.” Scottish comedian Rory Bremner wrote: “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.”

A person said, “King Charles give Huw Edwards a knighthood! What a consummate professional, calm, sombre.” Musical artist George Griffiths expressed, “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think!” “A word for Huw Edwards. Wouldn’t want to be listening to anyone else’s voice right now. Peerless,” Journalist Nick Mullins added.

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