Hours before Elizabeth II’s death, state-run BBC news coverage, which had already entered regular programming to announce the medical emergency, adopted black ties on the bench – and went on to lavish praise.
There were immediate reactions. A competing journalist criticized that wearing “a black tie is now preventive and ill-considered” – saying it was due to criticism of the BBC two decades ago, when a presenter wore a burgundy tie to the Queen Mother’s death.
This time, celebrated presenter Huw Edwards and “royal correspondent” Nicholas Witchell were prepared. The announcement was made after a new cut and the voice-over “The BBC is interrupting its normal programming to bring an important announcement”, entering the presenter.
“This is the BBC from London. Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Edwards declared, announcing the start of a “special programme”, in a choked voice.
He and Witchell extended their institutional praise of Elizabeth II, especially the correspondent, with some more insistent qualifications, such as that she was aware of her duties (“dutiful”).
Also its “decency” and “consistency” and the fact that it represents “unity”, is cited in a context of challenge for the United Kingdom. “She personified simple qualities like dignity. She brought people together. There are pressures against unity today, and Charles is aware of that,” he said.
According to Witchell, “Charles has worked to earn the respect of the people”, but this “is a dangerous time for the UK” and “there will be challenges for him, no doubt”.
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