World - Europe
Updated: April 15, 2021

Prince Philip's Funeral: BBC To Use Five Hours For Coverage Of Event

By Sydney Elike
April 15, 2021
0

**Plans for the funeral coverage of the late Prince Philip have been revealed by the BBC and will see the public service broadcaster use five hours for the event on Saturday.**

The revelation comes a week after the corporation was criticized for pulling regularly scheduled programmes across all channels to run a blanket coverage of Prince Philip.

The BBC remains unapologetic over its decision and said in a statement on its Complaints page on Thursday: "The passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was a significant event which generated a lot of interest both nationally and internationally.

Prince Philip as a young man

"We acknowledge some viewers were unhappy with the level of coverage given and the impact this had on the billed TV and Radio schedules. We do not make such changes without careful consideration of and the decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster during moments of national significance.

"We are grateful for all feedback, and we always listen to the response from our audiences."

Variety reports that the funeral coverage will kick off on BBC One on Friday night with 'HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Remembered'at 7 pm, with presenter Huw Edwards giving live coverage from Windsor Castle on the eve of the funeral.

Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip

Individuals who have vital roles to play at the ceremonial procession and funeral service will be featured along with guests who were acquainted with the duke, and royal experts.

On Saturday (the day of the funeral), BBC One at 11 am will air an hour-long documentary titled 'The Duke: In His Own Words', which will see Prince Philip as he took camera crews around Windsor Castle a couple of years back.

The afternoon news will go straight into 'The Funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh', which will air from 12.30 pm until 4.20 pm.