Buckingham Palace reported that Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8. Millions mourn the loss. However, professionals and organizations deeply rooted in Commonwealth culture offer condolences.
Soon after the announcement, Paddington Bear’s Twitter account paid a touching tribute. Barbara Broccoli (via twitter) and Michael G. Wilson (via twitter), were the James Bond franchise supervisors. They paid tribute by sharing photos with her with various 007s through the years. It is hard to deny the fact that the queen ruled pop culture across the globe, including in Britain and the Commonwealth. The news that the queen had passed away at the tender age 96 was broadcast on television.
Buckingham Palace has had a plan for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral for many years. The not-so secret plans, called “Operation London Bridge”, were designed to highlight the proceedings and events. The moment arrived, and no matter how prepared anyone was, it caused chaos on television networks across the globe as they attempted to accommodate.
Television channels are moving to royal-focused information
Buckingham Palace confirmed Queen Elizabeth II’s declining health at 7:34 AM EST, September 8. This forced news organizations around the world to alter their daily programming. The BBC, Britain’s national broadcaster, made its anchors wear black clothes hours before the official announcement about the death of the queen (via GQ). The plan stated that the BBC was the first to receive information about the death the queen.
Soon thereafter, the international television community followed their lead and modified their plans. Chaos ensued. The Guardian’s YouTube channel collected clips from TV broadcasts around the globe announcing Queen’s death. Many clips feature shocked anchors as they announce the bad news. Sometimes announcements are made during programming. Fox News’ Sandra Smith was caught unaware by the announcement. She said: “The King has…the Queen has died.”
Aline Pivot (head of news at TF1) discussed with Variety how the Queen’s passing, as any major event, should be considered before general programming. The executive said that they immediately sent correspondents to Balmoral (in the Scottish Highlands where the Queen’s death occurred). TF1 started its dedicated coverage of the Queen’s death shortly after her health was questioned earlier in the morning.
France Televisions, the country’s public broadcaster has started to offer programming that is directly related to the Royal family. RAI, an Italian public radio station, has changed its Thursday programming so that it focuses exclusively on Queen Elizabeth II. Variety reports Sky Italia has aired a series about Queen Elizabeth II, paying tribute to her. Several international outlets including TF1 have confirmed that the programming will be based on the Royal family’s interest over the next two weeks. Pivot confirmed that “We don’t know when it will revert back to our usual programming.”
