Huw Edwards has been named as one of the presenters for the BBC's coverage of King Charles' coronation next month. The coronation programme, airing on May 6, will cover the lead up to the Westminster Abbey service, the ceremony, the return procession to Buckingham Palace and the King’s balcony appearance.
The BBC News presenter, originally from Llanelli, will provide commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey open to greet those arriving for the ceremony as Sophie Raworth, Clare Balding, Anita Rani and JJ Chalmers also contribute to the day’s coverage. He said: "People will be relying on the BBC for coverage of what promises to be a memorable weekend."
The much-loved presenter also featured with Kirsty Young in the Queen’s state funeral coverage, which included the service from Westminster Abbey and the procession of the coffin from London to Windsor, in September. Former Desert Island Discs and Crimewatch presenter Kirsty Young has also been named among the presenters covering the event in a studio at Buckingham Palace on the day and will also anchor the next day’s special live broadcast of the coronation concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
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“I’m very happy indeed to be part of the BBC’s coronation coverage, as our cameras capture history in the making. Ceremony, spectacle and a right royal celebration – it’s got all the ingredients of a weekend worth watching,” she said. On Sunday, May 7, a concert on Windsor Castle's East Lawn will see TV presenter Clara Amfo and Diversity dance-troupe member Jordan Banjo speaking backstage to the artists who will perform for an estimated 20,000 members of the public.
The event, produced and staged by the BBC, will feature yet to be announced “music icons” as well as a 74-piece classical ensemble formed from the strings of the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra and woodwind, brass and percussion sections from the Bands of the Household Division.
A 300-strong Coronation Choir, made up of performers from different backgrounds including Gaelic speakers, deaf and refugee singers, Northern Irish farmers and London cabbies will also take to the stage as part of the event. Radio 2 DJs Zoe Ball and Dermot O’Leary, Radio 4’s Martha Kearney and royal correspondent Jonny Dymond will also be among those presenting the weekend’s coronation coverage on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
However, the BBC did not name veteran presenter David Dimbleby, who came out of retirement last year to cover the Queen’s funeral procession, as among those contributing to its live coverage of the “full glory” of the King and Queen Consort’s coronation. The former Question Time host, now 84, played a key role in the BBC's political and royal coverage and commented on last year’s Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
New BBC programmes are also set to air in the run-up to the coronation, including 'Charles R: The Making Of A Monarch', 'Stitching For Britain', and 'Sing For The King: The Search For The Coronation Choir.' Tim Davie, director-general of the corporation, said: “The BBC is very proud to bring landmark events and major historical moments to audiences across the UK and beyond.
“We will be delivering the full glory of the coronation with all the quality, ambition and excellence that our teams are globally renowned for.” EastEnders, Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow, Songs Of Praise and Bargain Hunt will also be among the broadcaster’s shows featuring coronation specials.
The coronation will air on Saturday, May 6 and the Coronation Concert will be broadcast on Sunday May 7 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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