Alastair Stewart slammed Huw Edwards for wearing a black tie before the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced.
The corporation has been airing rolling news coverage on BBC One since Buckingham Palace shared that doctors were worried for the 96-year-old’s health, in news announced at midday.
Edwards appeared on screen at roughly 1.50pm to continue the coverage, wearing a black tie and dark blazer, with the monarch’s death later confirmed at 6.30pm.
However, the former ITV News anchor took aim at the choice of outfit on Twitter, branding it ‘misjudged’.
‘A back tie now is pre-emptive and misjudged. It is because of the BBC’s Sissons memory (sic),’ he penned in a tweet published earlier this afternoon, before the Queen’s death was announced.
When it was suggested that it may have been ‘difficult’ for the presenter to change his tie quickly while fronting rolling coverage, Stewart said that there were systems in place behind the scenes to help with this.
‘We have all rehearsed it, so many times,’ he added. ‘There is a built-in natural pause to make the appropriate changes.’
Stewart’s stance was rejected by some followers, as one replied: ‘What do you propose he does wear at a time like this?? He’d be labelled inappropriate regardless what he wore.’
‘Of all the things that’s wrong in the world that isn’t in the top 1 million,’ another added.
Many have also heaped praise on Edwards’s broadcasting skills, branding him ‘brilliant’ and ‘absolutely magnificent’.
Buckingham Palace shared a statement this afternoon, confirming that doctors were worried for the Royal’s health.
‘Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,’ it read.
‘The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.’
Her family, including son Charles – who is now serving as the new King – and Prince William and Prince Harry were among those who travelled to Balmoral to stay by her side.
The Palace later confirmed that she had died, sharing a statement which read: ‘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.’
Edwards then informed BBC viewers, adding: ‘A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’
The broadcaster has suspended regular programming in the wake of the news, with MasterChef among the shows axed.
