BBC are blasted for ‘poor error of judgement’ after pair were spotted taking photos on their phones in background as emotional Huw Edwards announces Queen’s death to the nation
- Huw Edwards has been praised for sensitive and genuine delivery of the Queen’s death to the public
- Two staffers were filmed in the background appearing to hold their phones up to film historic moment
- The incident attracted criticism online from people who say it was insensitive and distracting
- Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing
As BBC presenter Huw Edwards delivered the sombre news of Queen Elizabeth II’s tragic death, two newsroom staff appeared to be taking photos in the background.
The moment sparked outrage among viewers who said the commotion was both distracting and insensitive.
Edwards, 61, has received widespread praise for his sensitive and genuine delivery of the news on Thursday night, and it’s reported that he spent months preparing for moment.
But in the background of his live cross to the right of the screen, two newsroom employees held up their phones for at least 20 seconds, scanning around the room before settling in the direction of Edwards.
The pair appear to be taking photos and filming the historic moment, though some eagle-eyed fans argue it looked like they were taking selfies.
Edwards, 61, has received widespread praise for his sensitive and genuine delivery of the news on Thursday night, and it’s reported that he spent months preparing for moment
A man in a white shirt appeared to approach the two staffers during the live cross and they immediately put down their phones and returned to their seats.
MailOnline has approached BBC for comment regarding the matter.
Viewers expressed their frustration after watching the incident live, which some say ruined the historic moment and took away from Edwards’ powerful delivery.
‘That was a very poor error of judgement, despite the understandable temptation,’ one person said.
In the background of his live cross to the right of the screen, two newsroom employees held up their phones for at least 20 seconds, scanning around the room before settling in the direction of Edwards
The public service broadcaster had a total of 9.83million people tuned into BBC One at 6.30pm when the death of Queen Elizabeth II (pictured just two days before she died) was officially announced
Viewers expressed their frustration after watching the incident live, which some say ruined the historic moment and took away from Edwards’ powerful delivery
Another said: ‘I despair with the modern world sometimes… I was stunned as […] Huw Edwards announced the death of the Queen. In the background two BBC employees with their phones taking photos.’
‘I am beyond disgusted that people working in the BBC studio taking selfies as Huw Edwards announced the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Unbelievable disrespect,’ another critic said on Twitter.
After Buckingham Palace shared doctors’ concerns for the Queen’s health about midday on Thursday, the BBC suspended its regular programming and replaced it with continuous news coverage presented by Edwards dressed in black and wearing a black tie.
The Palace issued a statement officially confirming the Queen had died ‘peacefully’ at 6.30pm that evening.
At the time, her four children and grandson Prince William were together at Balmoral. Harry was in the air on the way to be with his family.
Writer Alastair Campbell said on Twitter Edwards told him months ago ‘he had been preparing, practising and even rehearsing in front of his bathroom mirror for this moment for some time’.
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