TV viewers have hailed late rugby icon Eddie Butler as the broadcaster played a part in Queen Elizabeth II’ s funeral coverage with one of his unmistakeable narrations.
The former Welsh rugby union player, who went on to become an esteemed commentator and broadcaster, would frequently narrate over BBC montages for sport and other occasions with his distinctive vocal tones. In today's coverage of the Queen's funeral he again lent his voice to an emotive montage describing the presence and importance of Westminster Abbey, the venue for the funeral service of her majesty who is being laid to rest today.
However, there was a quell of emotion as the montage played out on the BBC coverage following Butler's tragic death at the age of 65 last week.
“The Abbey. Soaring, dramatic, and yet intimate,” Butler said in the pre-recorded clip describing The Abbey, which was just as powerfully delivered as all his other montages. “A meeting place, a place to celebrate, give thanks, remember, to be sad. Westminster Abbey, so often the stage for so much royal drama. A fitting place to say goodbye to our longest reigning monarch.”
Viewers were left understandably emotional as they listened to the former commentator’s powerful narration. Twitter user @NicVernalWood wrote: “Eddie’s voice just came into my kitchen … his latest work,” along with a sobbing emoji. Another @herrbartlett1 said: “Quality pre-recorded poetic piece on the Queen by the recently departed Eddie Butler.”
BBC correspondent James Landale said: “Incredibly poignant to watch some of Eddie Butler's archive films on the BBC coverage of the Queen's funeral, his voice long a traditional part of great state occasions.” The Times’ sub editor Jessica Hayden said: “Hearing Eddie Butler’s voice as part of the Queen’s funeral coverage this morning was upsetting. I really can’t believe he isn’t here anymore. We have lost one of the best.”
A week after the world lost its second longest serving monarch, Butler was on a charity trek in Peru when he passed away in his sleep. Police are investigating the death of the former Wales rugby union captain and legendary pundit after he was found dead in his sleeping bag.
Butler's body was discovered inside his tent last Thursday morning at a campsite near the town and Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, close to Cuzco. The prosecutor in charge of the ongoing investigation has been named locally as Hugo Jara Palomino.
Prostate Cymru, the charity Butler was helping raise money for on the trek, said: "The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler. Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity.
"We will cherish the many memories we have of him. Over the last week, Ed once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
"In the early hours of Thursday 15 September, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes. He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts."
Upon hearing the news, former commentary partner Brian Moore took to Twitter to pay a heartfelt tribute. "I am devastated by this news," he wrote. "Ed, I'm sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Sport has lost an iconic voice, I have lost a very dear friend. Goodbye Edward."
Former Wales and British Lions scrum half Mike Phillips added: "Shocking news about the great Eddie Butler. He was such a lovely guy.”
Sir Bill Beaumont posted: "Eddie Butler was a true commentary great - the recognisable voice of the sport to millions and unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic."
