BBC Viewers are calling for Huw Edwards to be knighted following his coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's passing on Thursday, September 8.
The late Queen died at the age of 96 at Balmoral, her Scottish estate. Other members of the family - including King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort, Prince William, and Prince Harry - had all made their way to Balmoral to be by the beloved monarch's side.
Queen Elizabeth II's death had been announced at about 6:30 PM on Thursday evening, with Huw Edwards leading the coverage for BBC News. He presented the rolling coverage since midday and continued reporting into the evening as tributes poured in for the Queen.
During his coverage, he said: "It's a seismic event, it's the longest reigning monarch in British history, who has left us at the age of 96.
"And it's not a surprise when someone of that age suffers ill health and eventually passes away but what is left of course is the reflection on what was achieved and the kind of life that was led, and the sense of duty and a sense of loyalty.
"And as Nick Witchell was saying, the sense of humility, which seems rather bizarre to say for a monarch, as someone who had a sense of service to others. And this was a theme that was repeated so often in the Queen's statements and at great milestones in her life."
He went on to emphasize the impact the late Queen had on the UK and the world as a whole.
"Let’s dwell now on the impact on the people of the United Kingdom, for whom the Queen has been this symbol, not just of authority, but as a symbol of real solidity and consistency over the years," he added.
"Taking that symbol away, albeit with a new monarch, King Charles III, who’s a very familiar figure, but taking that symbol away will have an effect on people’s lives, even those who are not dedicated monarchists."
Viewers have since been sharing their appreciation of Edwards' professionalism during the BBC's coverage of the late Queen's illness and subsequent passing.
One Twitter user wrote: “King Charles give Huw Edwards a knighthood! What a consummate professional, calm, sombre.”
Another added: “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think!”
A third noted: "BBC at its best on occasions like this. @thehuwedwards deserves a knighthood for his dignity and professionalism. Bravo."
