Huw Edwards, the former BBC presenter who retired after a distinguished 40-year career, has been charged with making indecent images of children.
Per The Sun, the 62-year-old broadcaster faces three charges related to alleged activity between December 2020 and April 2022. The charges reportedly involve images shared on WhatsApp, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Edwards, who stepped down from the BBC in April 2023, was arrested by the Met Police in November 2023 and formally charged on June 26, 2024. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on July 31, 2024.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "Huw Edwards, 62, of Southwark, London, has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children following a Met Police investigation. The offences, alleged to have occurred between December 2020 and April 2022, pertain to images shared on a WhatsApp chat."
The spokesperson added that Edwards was arrested on November 8, 2023, and charged after the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges. Edwards has been released on bail pending his court appearance.
The Ministry of Justice defines a 'child' as anyone under 18, and the charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. The CPS emphasized the importance of not publishing or discussing details that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.
Edwards, a married father of five, announced his resignation from the BBC on April 22, 2023, following a notable career with the corporation. The BBC confirmed his departure with a brief statement, noting that Edwards left the network based on advice and that his resignation was accepted.
At the time of his resignation, Edwards was one of the BBC's highest-paid stars, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 from April 2023 to March 2024. His salary placed him third on the list of the corporation's top earners, behind Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball.
Born in Bridgend in 1961 and raised in a village near Llanelli, Edwards began his career at the BBC as a news trainee in 1984. He gained prominence as the Parliamentary Correspondent for BBC Wales and later became the presenter of the Six O'Clock News from 1994 to 2003.
In January 2003, Edwards took over as the main presenter of the BBC One Ten O'Clock News, where he became known for his coverage of major state events, including the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Edwards also hosted the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the BBC in May 2018.
The Crown Prosecution Service has called for no reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case, emphasizing the defendant's right to a fair trial.
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