This is the first time in 37 years that the Commonwealth Day service will not be televised
After investigations in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct, the event will not be televised(Image: Getty Images)
A major event for the Royal Family will not be televised this year after the BBC conduct a schedule shake-up following the investigation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The BBC have televised the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey for decades, with the first on-screen appearance back in 1989. But there is to be a major change for the first time in 37 years as the BBC will not be broadcasting the service set to take place on Monday (March 9).
Instead, an episode of Escape to the Country will air in its place. The decision is said to not “bode well for the crisis-hit monarchy”, reports the Mirror.
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Last month, the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office dominated headlines. This was after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Police previously said the force were reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
The former duke spent 11 hours in police custody on his 66th birthday before being released under investigation, with detectives searching Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, along with his residence in Sandringham.
While Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his links with Epstein, he has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Axing Commonwealth Day service ‘warning sign’
Six years ago, the Commonwealth Day service was also met with eager eyes as it was one of the last ever royal engagements that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry attended.
Commonwealth Day service has been televised for 37 years(Image: Getty Images)
King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales attend the service, with Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence also set to attend this year – marking only six senior royals for the occasion.
But speaking to the Mirror after the BBC decided not to show it live, Royal author and historian Tessa Dunlop said: “The BBC’s dumping of the commonwealth service speaks to establishment slippage – one that incorporates four previously revered institutions – the BBC, the Royal Family, the Church of England, and the Commonwealth. In these tense times previously we’d have sought consolation in national rituals and shared events. Not anymore.”
She added: “More specifically, it is a warning sign for the Royal Family that things are not what they were.”
Royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan agrees it was is a significant moment, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil surrounding Andrew.
“I think it probably speaks to the lack of interest,” she suggests. “[It’s] probably people thinking that this is going to be such a spotlight on the Royal Family, [and] that perhaps it will be embarrassing.”
She says it’s “interesting” that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are not going to be at the service.
“For countries within the Commonwealth, there’s a saying that the wealth is not common. What is the Commonwealth really for? Is it just colonialism-lite?,” she added.
In a statement, the BBC said: “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 challenges. BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.”