Dan Walker has led the praise for Huw Edwards after he hosted the BBC's coverage of the Queen's funeral. Twelve days ago the broadcaster informed viewers of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
As with Royal protocol the announcement was made in a brief statement from Buckingham Palace, which was first given to the Press Association and the BBC. Huw emotionally delivered the news of the Queen’s death live on BBC One. After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, he told viewers: "A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
He then read out the statement from Buckingham Palace while dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect. BBC One then played the national anthem following the announcement, showing a photograph of the Queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words Queen Elizabeth II.
He has since been a key part in the BBC's coverage of the events from her death, to her final journey from Scotland to London, her time lying in state at Westminster Hall and now, today, her state funeral which took place at Westminster Abbey before a committal at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Taking to Twitter, Dan, who left BBC Breakfast after six years earlier this year, was leading the praise for Huw. Tweeting a picture of the Welsh presenter in the BBC's studio to the backdrop of Westminster Abbey, the Channel 5 news host typed: "When every word matters… When every mistake is magnified and scrutinised… When permanently finding the right tone is almost impossible to navigate… This fella has played a blinder."
He then added: "Well played Huw Edwards. Exceptional stuff @thehuwedwards #funeral #queensfuneral." And his followers were soon agreeing with him.
@hahoAnna tweeted: "Well done Huw. A diamond of the nation." @myfairlondon commented: "100% agree. As an American in London whose first day of touring was the day QE II died, it was only Huw that I wanted to hear. Thank for such fine commentary. An experience of a lifetime." @JohnRobertMc shared: "Totally agree. From the second he announced the news he has handled the gravity of it all with class." @annafry__ added: "I hope he is off on holiday tomorrow… he deserves one."
Others renewed their calls for Huw, 61, to be honoured for his services. @zakbrownz said: "Get him that Knighthood." @KathSkellon praised: "Exceptional presenting from @thehuwedwards throughout the last 12 days. Surely he'll be Sir Huw Edwards at the next opportunity?"
@adsleeder echoed: "Give the man a knighthood. Impeccable, always!" @Theresa4Talent simply wrote: "Arise Sir Huw!" @robbutler1984 replied: "Should be Sir Huw Edwards!"
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