Huw Edwards has been left “embarrassed” by reports he might receive a knighthood after leading coverage of the Queen’s death.
Edwards, 61, was one of the first news reporters to announce the death of the Queen aged 96 on September 8, following her 70-year reign.
After breaking the historic news, Edwards was seen covering the next few days of events on the BBC as Britain entered its period of national mourning, up until the Queen’s funeral on September 19, which Edwards also covered.
Now, it’s being rumoured the news presenter will be given a knighthood by King Charles III, following the praise he received from viewers for “holding it together” at the crucial time.
Edwards revealed he is rather uncomfortable with the speculation, calling the reports “excitable journalism”.
“I am embarrassed by it,” he explained.
“I have been involved in nominating people for honours and, in a few cases, people who have spent a lifetime giving time to deserving causes don’t get anything. So, although I don’t mean it disrespectfully, the idea of a knighthood embarrasses me.”
Edwards has fronted BBC News for nearly two decades, and recently credited his team for its journalistic professionalism over the years, particularly during the moment of the Queen’s death.
He revealed to the Radio Times that he learnt of the news just 10 seconds before he announced it to viewers.
“My colleagues were brilliant,” Edwards said. “Usually, when you have a breaking story there’s a lot of shouting in your ear from the gallery, saying, ‘Go to the news, go to the news’, but this time was different.
“The announcement came up on the wires and the gallery said, ‘The announcement is here. Take your time. Speak when you are ready. Don’t rush.’”
Discussing the Queen’s funeral, Edwards thanked those who contributed to the coverage, who weren’t seen on camera.
He said: “Behind the camera – an army of the best talent in broadcasting. ‘My thanks to them and to all of you for the kind messages. Diolch.”
