BBC reveals key players behind Queen’s state funeral coverage

The BBC has revealed the key production staff responsible for yesterday’s extensive coverage of the state funeral of the Queen.

The nine-hour live event, which aired in more than 200 countries, included the funeral service in Westminster Abbey, the grand procession through London and the transportation of the Queen’s coffin to Windsor for the committal ceremony.

The production was overseen by BBC Studios’ creative team behind the Jubilee programming in June - including the Platinum Party at the Palace - creative director, events Claire Popplewell, head of operations Peter Taylor, and events production executive Gemma Thomas.

As host broadcaster, the BBC pooled its coverage with Sky, ITV/ ITN, and its global partners who shared it with their respective affiliates around the world.

A total of 14 directors selected shots from 213 cameras installed along the entire route, including the key locations of Westminster Abbey and St George’s chapel at Windsor Castle where remote cameras were positioned. BBC Studios was unwilling to provide the names of the directors. 

Some 200 of the camreas were used to produce full HD footage which was shared with the BBC’s broadcast partners, while the remaining 13 were used exclusively by the BBC in London and Windsor.

The output was transmitted worldwide via BBC World News and bbc.com as well as networks including PBS in America and ABC in Australia, with 14 outside broadcast trucks and two studios situated at 10 locations across London, Windsor and the ceremonial route.

To reduce carbon emissions, the broadcast was powered by HVO (hydrogen and vegetable oil) rather than regular generator diesel, and the lighting in the studios was LED. This is now becoming the standard for all BBCS Events’ productions, following the first use at the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in October as well as the Platinum Jubilee coverage.

BBCS was also responsible for bespoke programming throughout the period of mourning following The Queen’s passing on 8 September, including documentaries such as Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen, and the stream of The Queen’s Lying In State.