Huw Edwards praised by viewers for ‘holding it together’ during live broadcast announcing Queen Elizabeth II’s death-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Huw Edwards has been praised for his live broadcast on BBC News, as he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace confirmed today at around 6.30pm: ‘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.’

This came after an announcement earlier today that doctors were concerned for her health.

After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, Huw told viewers: ‘A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

Edwards then read out the statement from the Palace which said: ‘The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

Huw Edwards announced The Queen’s death shortly after 6.30pm (Picture: PA/BBC)

‘The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.’

The broadcaster was 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 on BBC One since midday when Buckingham Palace released its first statement which said royal doctors were concerned for the Queen’s health.

Viewers flocked to social media to praise Huw during the report, with one writing: ‘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 penned: ‘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.’

Someone else wrote: ‘Huw Edwards doing a brilliant job of guiding the country through such a massive moment in our national history. The perfect tone.’

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The veteran broadcaster has anchored on major royal milestones throughout the years including the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh last year.

He has also presented coverage of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018.

Major UK broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV are likely to adjust their schedules for the rest of the day to allow for continuous coverage of the Queen’s death.

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