Suits Huw, Sir!

After his sure-footed coverage of the royal funeral, Edwards is tipped for a knighthood

DELIVERING the news that Her Majesty The Queen had died was surely the biggest moment of Huw Edwards’ broadcasting career — and it was the start of a marathon period of impeccable work, which culminated in his coverage of the funeral on Monday.

It looks likely to be his swansong for the BBC, though; as negotiations with the radio network Global were already advanced before the momentous events of this month.

And now I hear Edwards may step away with more than just the good wishes of the Beeb and his fans — as consideration is being given to awarding him a knighthood, in recognition of his decades of journalism.

Showbusiness circles are alight with gossip that Huw is to be given a ‘K’ by King Charles in the New Year’s Honours and it would surely be a popular move.

On Monday evening, the Welshman shared a distinctly valedictory picture of himself on Instagram: in the BBC studio, looking out at Buckingham Palace after the crowds had gone. He wrote: ‘It’s been a privilege. My colleagues are the best. Thanks for all the kind messages.’ Edwards’ record at the BBC is impressive. He has long led the royal coverage, anchoring events ranging from the Diamond and Platinum jubilees to the weddings of Princes William and Harry.

In 1999, he became the host of the Six O’Clock News. In 2003, he took over News At Ten.

Last year, the 61-year-old from Bridgend earned more than £400,000 at the BBC. But he has been dropping hints for a while that he is likely to depart early next year.

In August 2021 he admitted he was considering his future, saying the nightly news business could be ‘taxing’ and adding he did not think he would be ‘doing that for long’. In a documentary for the Welsh broadcaster S4C, Edwards said that by January 2023 he would have served ‘ 20 years as the face of the News At Ten’ and that this was a ‘ milestone’ he’d like to reach.

Earlier this month he was pictured visiting the offices of Global Radio, home of LBC and Classic FM. They have recently poached a number of BBC stars including Andrew Marr, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel.

Asked about the visit he said: ‘It’s no secret that I’ve been thinking about my future — it’s been public for some time.

‘ Not unusually, I’ve been considering several options, both inside and outside the BBC. I don’t want to say more than that.’