BBC waives licence fee for royal wedding parties
THE BBC has waived the licence fee for partygoers wanting to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
It means groups will be able to watch the royal nuptials at gatherings in town halls, community centres and streets across Britain, where TV is not usually watched, without forking out. The waiver also applies to shops and events such as agricultural shows.
Pipa Doubtfire, the BBC’s head of revenue management, said: “I’m delighted we have decided to offer a one-off dispensation for the royal wedding on May 19.
“This will allow the public to enjoy live coverage at special events like street parties, where TV is not usually watched, without needing to buy a licence.
“By law, if live television or iPlayer is viewed on any premises, those premises must be covered by a valid TV licence.
“In exceptional circumstances, the BBC can grant a temporary dispensation, for an event of national importance. The BBC considers that the royal wedding is such an event.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury will marry the couple at Windsor Castle.
The BBC previously waived the licence fee for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.