Alastair Stewart has lashed out at the BBC's coverage on the Queen's health, branding it "pre-emptive and misjudged" as he criticised presenter Huw Edwards' choice of black tie.
Earlier today at midday, Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement on the 96-year-old's health today to say that her doctors are concerned for her health and that she is remaining under medical supervision.
Her family - including Prince Charles, Camilla and Prince William - have rushed to be by her side at Balmoral.
Prince Harry and Meghan cancelled their engagements, with the Duke of Sussex flying to be with his grandmother.
Watching the BBC coverage, journalist Alastair Stewart criticised the BBC over its choice to have presenters wearing black tie.
He tweeted: "A black tie now is pre-emptive and misjudged. It is because of the BBC's Sissons memory."
As one follower questioned whether it had been to save time, Alastair responded: "We have all rehearsed it so many times. There is a built-in natural pause to make the appropriate changes."
Alastair had been referencing BBC presenter Peter Sissons, who had been criticised for wearing a burgundy tie when announcing the Queen Mother's death in 2002. At the time, ITV presenters had worn black ties.
It comes after the BBC cleared its scheduled programming following the announcement that the Queen was under medical supervision on Thursday afternoon.
The BBC had to be cut short its midday show for a news special as the monarch was said to be under supervision at Balmoral, after doctors became concerned for her health.
The broadcast was interrupted during Bargain Hunt, as a BBC newsreader confirmed: "Welcome to viewers on BBC One. We have had news from Buckingham Palace that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral."
She then detailed concern for the Monarch's health, and the news remained on air instead of returning to usual programming.
Buckingham Palace's statement read: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
"The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
