Presenters for the BBC coverage of the King’s coronation next month have been revealed with Kirsty Young and Huw Edwards among them.
The broadcaster didn’t, however, announce veteran presenter David Dimbleby as part of the team for the celebrations in May despite him coming out of retirement to cover the Queen’s funeral procession.
The former Question Time host, 84, has played a central role in the BBC’s political and royal coverage for several decades, including commenting on last year’s Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
✝️ Members of the Royal Family attended the Easter Mattins service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor this morning. pic.twitter.com/gd21cuZUH1
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2023
Which presenters will play a role in the BBC’s coverage of the King’s coronation?
The BBC revealed on Tuesday who would be presenting The Coronation programme on Saturday, May 6.
The programme will cover the lead up to the Westminster Abbey service, the ceremony, the return procession to Buckingham Palace and the King’s balcony appearance.
Young, 54, will be in a studio at Buckingham Palace on the day.
She will also anchor the next day’s special live broadcast of the coronation concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
A special emoji for the Coronation has gone live today! The emoji, based on St Edward’s Crown, will appear when any of the following hashtags are used: #Coronation#CoronationConcert#TheBigHelpout#CoronationWeekend#CoronationBigLunch pic.twitter.com/ueHOpkNn6M
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2023
The former Desert Island Discs and Crimewatch presenter said: “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.”
Commentary will be provided by Edwards as the doors of Westminster Abbey open to greet those arriving for the ceremony.
Sophie Raworth, Clare Balding, Anita Rani and JJ Chalmers will also contribute to the day’s coverage.
BBC News presenter Edwards, 61, said: “People will be relying on the BBC for coverage of what promises to be a memorable weekend.”
In September, Young and Edwards featured in the Queen’s state funeral coverage which included the service from Westminster Abbey and the procession of the coffin from London to Windsor.
With less than a month to go, we’ve announced some new ceremonial details about the #Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2023
Take a look at our thread to find out more👇
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The coronation concert will take place on Windsor Castle’s East Lawn on Sunday, May 7.
TV presenter Clara Amfo and Diversity dance-troupe member Jordan Banjo will speak to the artists backstage who will perform for an estimated 20,000 members of the public.
The event is produced and staged by the BBC and will see yet to be announced “music icons” and 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.
The 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.
Coronation coverage will also include Radio 2 DJs Zoe Ball and Dermot O’Leary, Radio 4’s Martha Kearney and royal correspondent Jonny Dymond on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
BBC shows to air ahead of the King's coronation
In the run-up to the King's coronation, new BBC programmes will air, 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.”
Coronation specials will feature in programmes such as EastEnders, Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow, Songs Of Praise and Bargain Hunt.
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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