Kirsty Young, Clare Balding, and Jordan Banjo lead BBC’s presenting lineup for King Charles’ Coronation – after veteran commentator David Dimbleby ‘turned it down’
The BBC have announced their presenting lineup for coverage of King Charles’ Coronation next month.
Having been at the centre of covering The Queen’s funeral last year, Kirsty Young will lead the historic broadcasting event on May 6, with Huw Edwards on commentary duties for the occasion.
One name that is noticeably absent from the coverage is David Dimbleby, who reportedly turned down the chance to present because he didn’t want to take on a diminished role.
Former Crimewatch and Desert Island Discs host Kirsty will be in a studio at Buckingham Palace to await the King’s appearance on the famous balcony after he is crowned King.
Huw Edwards will provide commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey to begin the Coronation ceremony, while Sophie Raworth will be outside speaking to guests as they arrive for the occasion.
Coming soon: The BBC have announced their presenting lineup for coverage of King Charles’ Coronation next month, lead by Kirsty Young, Claire Balding and Jordan Banjo
Clare Balding will provide commentary for the ceremonial route and Anita Rani will join the gathered crowds.
Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers will speak to members of the military as they prepare for one of the largest parades in history.
Speaking about the big occasion, Kirsty 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.’
While Huw added: ‘Few broadcasters have the privilege of working on a Coronation and I’m delighted to be involved. People will be relying on the BBC for coverage of what promises to be a memorable weekend.’
Kirsty will also be at the centre of coverage of the star-studded Coronation Concert, which will take place on Sunday, May 7.
Clara Amfo and Jordan Banjo will be backstage with the artists who will be performin for the crowd of 20,000 at Windsor Castle, along with the millions watching at home.
BBC Radio 2 will also be offering live audio coverage of the event, with Zoe Ball on hand to speak to the performers and Dermot O’Leary meeting guests in the crowd.
Zoe said: ‘What a thrill it is to be part of Radio 2’s coverage of the Coronation concert – speaking to all the stars before they take to the stage for what will be such a fabulous celebration.
Rejected: One name that is noticeably absent is David Dimbleby, who reportedly turned down the chance to present because he didn’t want to take on a diminished role
Anticipated: The Coronation coverage on May 6 will include the build-up to the Westminster Abbey service, the ceremony, the return procession and the King’s balcony appearance
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing who Dermot and I bump into at Windsor Castle and bringing all the backstage magic to our listeners live on Radio 2.’
Following news of the presenting lineup, it was reported by The Times that David turned down the chance o present King Charles’s Coronation for the BBC because he did not want to ‘play second fiddle’.
Dimbleby’s apparent decision to turn down the opportunity seems to indicate the end of the family collaboration with the BBC on major royal events, which began when his father Richard covered the funeral of George VI in 1952 and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation the year after.
Along with other dedicated programming there will also be Coronation specials of EastEnders, Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow, Songs Of Praise and Bargain Hunt.
Tim Davie said: ‘We will be delivering the full glory of the Coronation with all the quality, ambition and excellence that our teams are globally renowned for.’
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