There have been countless calls for Huw Edwards to be knighted for his coverage of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The seasoned broadcaster has been a presenter on the BBC since 1986, and while he has held a number of notable roles during his time working for the corporation, he is mostly-known to UK audiences as the face BBC News at Ten – which he has been since 2003.
Some of the significant events Edwards has delivered the news of to the nation over the years include the election of Barack Obama, the results of the EU referendum, and the Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
But by far one if the most important events was the death HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the 10pm slot is where he is usually most at home, following the announcement by Buckingham Palace earlier yesterday that HM Queen Elizabeth II was “under medical supervision” at Balmoral after her doctors had become “concerned for Her Majesty’s health”, Edwards remained on air for extended periods throughout the day.
Following the release of Buckingham Palace’s statement, the BBC confirmed that all its regular programming had been suspended and that it would be showing rolling news streams until at least 6pm.
Shortly after 6:40pm BST, Edwards confirmed the news that HM Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96.
Delivering the statement released by The Royal Family to announce HM The Queen’s passing live on air to millions of people watching right across the UK, Huw said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Since the news was confirmed and the world watched as Edwards delivered one of the most important statements in recent British history, famous names and members of the public have been taking to social media in their thousands to share messages of respect for the presenter and praise his long-running service to news reading.
Edwards’ delivery of the news has been called a “masterclass” in broadcasting, and many people have been calling for him to be knighted.
Comedian David Baddiel said on Twitter: “It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.”
Rory Bremner added: “Respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina and professionalism.”
Darryl Morris also said in a tweet: “Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.”
It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.
Also, respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina & professionalism.
Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.
“I wouldn’t go as far as a knighthood but the way he held him self during what was evidently a very hard thing for him to do after covering the last 72 hours of the new PM was nothing short of admirable and professional,” one Twitter user said.
Another Twitter user said: “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think.”
A third added: “In awe of Huw Edwards, leading the BBC News live broadcast for almost five hours from a single press release. He’s cautious not to generate hysteria but also respectful of the potential severity of the situation. Top class broadcaster.
“And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.”
And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think!
“Hats off to Huw Edwards who has been delivering extraordinary coverage on BBC One since lunchtime. A masterclass in professionalism. I am in awe,” a fourth said.
Another said on Twitter: “Huw Edwards, in the circumstances, was brilliant. If anyone was born to broadcast, it was him. Dignified throughout and visibly upset. A credit to the BBC.”
“What a week for Huw Edwards. His relentless professionalism through Liz Truss’ appointment and now the Queen’s death really is to be admired. If anyone has the right to say they’re tired, it’s him. Hope he has a day off soon,” yet another person said full of praise.
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood after this shift
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for his current performance on the beeb.
— Pete Creek #FBPE I am European! (@BemusedofBD23) September 8, 2022
HM Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on 8 September 2022.
During her reign, Elizabeth II served as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – undertaking an important symbolic and unifying role as a head of state, spanning numerous geographical regions, cultures, and religions.
She was not just the longest-reigning British monarch in history, but she was also the first-ever monarch to reign in the UK for 70 years.
She was beloved by many for her sense of duty and devotion to her role.
Featured Image – BBC News
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Live football to be prescribed by some GPs to help treat patients with depression
Live football looks set to be prescribed by a section of the NHS in an effort to try and help people suffering from depression.
As part of the experimental new wellbeing and mental healthcare initiative, GPs across the UK could soon be able to suggest watching football in person as part of their wider treatment plans.
While it may sound like a somewhat unorthodox approach, it’s sparked plenty of conversation on social media and is already gathering some steam up and down the country.
The scheme is being pioneered by Labour MP, Dr Simon Opher, the representative for Stroud, as well as Ecotricity owner and green industrialist, Dale Vince.
Today we’ve announced Football On Prescription. Football clubs up and down the country and up and down the leagues can take part in this – and I hope they will. Mental health is a big issue, as are loneliness and isolation. One of the superpowers of football is its inclusivity -… pic.twitter.com/OWNOag6Fcc
‘Prescribed footy’, to coin a somewhat jarring colloquialism, is set to be rolled out to relevant patients across the Gloucestershire region diagnosed with depression and some other mental health conditions.
Those on the receiving end of these prescriptions will be offered free tickets to watch local National League side, Forest Green Rovers (FGR), based in the town of Nailsworth.
Vince, who founded Ecotricity – formerly known as Renewable Energy Company – back in 1995, bought Forest Green back in 2010 and is just passionate about football and mental health as the push for clean energy and environmental causes.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio in an interview on Tuesday, 22 July, the 64-year-old Norfolk-born OBE said: “We just do the things that we see, that we think could be done, should be done, that will help; whether it’s helping our planet, our country – people here [in Gloucestershire]…
“When you attend football matches, particularly regularly, you find yourself a part of something, a part of a group of people with a common purpose. It’s a wonderful social experience that we think would be really good for people suffering from mental health problems.”
Despite some doubters and detractors questioning his motives online and in the media, he insists the sentiment is purely altruistic, and FGR hope to aligning itself with big causes like mental health, even making the first fully vegan-certified football kits ahead of the 2025/26 season.
He also went on to add, “We also won’t take adverts or sponsorship from gambling companies: they do great harm in our society.”
As for Dr Opher, he has continued to champion ‘social prescribing’ across his medical and political career, backing it as a viable alternative to common medication such as antidepressants for some individuals with mild-moderate depression.
The live football on presecption concept has been met with plenty of pushback online, including lots of discourse surrounding priorities and the NHS remaining underfunded, but only time will tell how well these early trials go.
What do you make of the idea of football being put forward as an aid for depression and do you think it should be considered by the NHS at large?
These viral sensations are a plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to create a character with bunny-like ears, large eyes and big smiles.
They’re swinging off handbags all over the UK at the minute and people are queueing for hours for the latest Labubu drops.
At Sweet Dreams, they’re making edible chocolate Labubus using a special mould flown in from Japan.
Each one has a pistachio kunafa filling and is painstakingly painted by hand.
And that brings us neatly to the next viral craze at play here – Dubai pistachio chocolate.
An army of pistachio chocolate LabubuInside a chocolate pistachio Labubu
Kunafa is a staple in Middle Eastern bakes and pastries but hit the global mainstream last year when thick chocolate pistachio bars stuffed with it went viral online, spawning countless dupes and inspired specials.
And finally, chocolate covered strawberries – hardly a new invention, but this simple dessert has rocketed in popularity especially in food hotspots like Borough Market in London.
Head into Sweet Dreams and you can build your treat from the base up – choose white or milk melted chocolate for your strawberries, layer on pistachio kunafa, then top with either a milk or white chocolate Labubu.
A slightly daft novelty? Yes. But that doesn’t stop them being delicious.
This is the only place in the UK currently selling Dubai pistachio chocolate Labubus.