BBC News viewers dub Huw Edwards a ‘national treasure’ after remaining poised during coverage of the Queen’s death

Huw Edwards has been commended for his live broadcast on BBC News as it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away.

The BBC presenter, 61, from Wales, kept viewers informed about Her Majesty’s health condition after it was revealed that she was “under medical supervision” at Balmoral.

Buckingham Palace confirmed at around 6.30pm yesterday that the “Queen died peacefully at Balmoral”, while adding that the “King and The Queen consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

A shot of a flag being held at half mast was shown as Edwards addressed viewers, saying: “A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

The footage transitioned to the BBC studios where Edwards was seen reading out the official announcement from Buckingham Palace.

He 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.”

The broadcaster donned a black suit as other members of the BBC followed suit in the background.

This is a protocol that the BBC does when a member of the royal family passes away to show respect.

Huw Edwards has been part of the BBC since 1984 when he was a news trainee, before getting promoted to present BBC’s Six O’Clock News, which became the most watched news programme in Britain.

BBC viewers took to Twitter praising Edwards for staying composed during a hard time for the nation.

“Massive kudos to @thehuwedwards, there is no finer broadcaster for finding the right pace, tone, and dignity amidst the unfurling chaos of live television” one wrote.

“Clap to Huw Edwards. What an exhausting day. He did BBC proud.” another said.

A third added: “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.”

The BBC broadcast reached over 11 million people, with a peak of 9.74 million on BBC One making it one of the biggest news broadcasts in British history.

Queen Elizabeth II became Queen in February 1952 and was the longest serving monarch in history seeing a government change of 15 prime ministers serving under her.

BBC one has cancelled all shows for today and Channel 4’s The Last Leg has been cancelled for tonight with host Adam Hills saying “We’ve decided not to do an episode of @thelastleg tonight. It just doesn’t feel right.”

“We’ll pay tribute to Her Majesty next week but for now our thoughts are with her family, and all those affected by the news. We hope you understand.”