BBC finally breaks silence on controversial Royal Family decision

The BBC has defended itself over major decision earlier this month.

The Royal Family pictured at the Commonwealth Day service earlier this month (Image: GETTY)

The BBC have defended their decision to air the Installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, just weeks after opting against airing the annual Commonwealth Day service earlier this month. For the first time since 1989, the Commonwealth Day Service was not broadcast on BBC One.

The service was attended by members of the Royal Family on March 9, including King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Instead of airing the service, the BBC opted to air an episode of Escape to the Country. The BBC will, however, air the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury tomorrow, March 25.

Speaking about the decision to air the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury but not the Commonwealth Day service, a spokeswoman exclusively told GB News: “The Installation of an Archbishop of Canterbury, the most senior bishop in the Church of England, is an historic event and we are pleased to be able to broadcast the ceremony to audiences across the UK.

“Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day Ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenge.

“The event was covered by BBC News.”

The event tomorrow will be attended by Prince William and Princess Catherine.

The Prince and Princess of Wales met with Dame Sarah Mullally last month (Image: GETTY)

The synopsis for Wednesday’s event states: “Historically known as an enthronement, the installation marks the symbolic start of the archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Caommunion.

“Dame Sarah Mullally is the first woman to take this role.”