Watching as the nation honour of Prince Philip
unhappy with the level of coverage given, and impact this had on the billed TV and radio schedules.
“We do not make such changes without careful consideration and the decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster, during moments of national significance.”
Meanwhile, ITV will cover the funeral with the programme Prince Philip – A Royal Funeral.
Tom Bradby, a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will front the coverage from 1.15pm to 4.30pm, with Julie Etchingham from Windsor.
ITV’s normal schedule return from 4.30pm.
Sky News will also be broadcasting live coverage of the funeral from 12.30pm to 5pm.
Presenters Sarah will
Hewson,
Dermot Murnaghan, Mark Austin and Anna Botting will front the channel’s coverage.
The funeral will draw in viewers eager to see Prince William and
Harry reunite in public for the first time since the Duke of Sussex moved to the US last year with his wife Meghan and son Archie.
A pregnant Meghan is unable to fly in for the occasion and will watch from their California home.
Peter Phillips, the Queen’s oldest grandchild, will walk between the feuding brothers in the procession, which begins at 2.40pm, when senior royals will follow behind the coffin on foot.
People will watch as one of Prince Philip’s final wishes will be granted – and his coffin is transported in the back of the modified
Land Rover that he helped design.
The pandemic curtailed original plans for military processions through London or Windsor.
The Royal
Family has asked members of the public not to gather at the castle or other royal residences – a request which will likely drive up TV viewing figures.
A reduced choir of just four singers will perform pieces of music chosen by Philip while guests will follow Covid-19 rules, such as wearing masks, social distancing and not singing.
Buckingham Palace said the plans for the funeral are in line with The Duke of Edinburgh’s personal wishes. Heathrow Airport said no planes will land or take off for six minutes today to coincide with the national minute’s silence at 3pm.