The royal correspondent for BBC, whom Charles once referred to as “awful,” is retiring.
Nicholas Witchell, the royal correspondent for BBC, has declared his retirement after working for the broadcaster for almost fifty years. This decision comes almost two decades after the memorable incident when Prince Charles referred to him as ‘awful’ on a hot microphone.
The royal correspondent for the BBC, who was famously criticized by the King as a ‘terrible’ person, is stepping down after working for the corporation for almost fifty years.
Nicholas Witchell, a seasoned journalist who has reported on the activities of the Royal Family since 1998, will be stepping down from his role next year. He initially started his career at the broadcaster as a trainee in 1976.
In 2005, the Prince of Wales at that time was recorded making comments about Mr. Witchell on a microphone.
During a photoshoot in the Swiss Alps, the journalist inquired about the royal’s forthcoming marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.
In 2014, Nicholas Witchell, a royal correspondent for the BBC, disclosed that the King had not offered an apology for referring to him as a ‘terrible’ individual.
While sitting beside his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, he expressed his dislike for a certain individual, stating, “I cannot stand that man. He is truly terrible.”
William stayed composed and replied courteously, stating, “As long as I don’t misplace the rings, I have a duty to fulfill and I may make a mistake.”
The family had taken a vacation at the Klosters ski resort located in the Swiss Alps.
Aides indicated that Charles was displeased with the photographs taken of William and Kate, who were only dating at the time, the day before.
Paddy Harverson, who served as Charles’s press secretary at the time, expressed that while they cannot prevent photographers from capturing these images, they hope that each year they will show respect for the privacy of the family and friends, understanding their desire for a private vacation.
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry mentioned that there were photographers capturing images everywhere during the press call.
He stated that both he and William had voiced significant concerns about their father’s choice to marry Camilla.
Mr. Harverson explained that Nicholas was the target of the prince’s outburst, which occurred when he was venting his overall frustration towards the paparazzi. This happened when Nicholas was the first person to ask a question.
“It was not meant as a personal attack. He genuinely feels remorse for his words and did not intend to direct his frustration towards Nicholas.”
In 2014, Mr. Witchell disclosed that the King had not offered an apology for referring to him as an ‘awful’ individual. However, he asserted that he had been fulfilling his duties diligently.
The reporter stated that there has never been an apology, questioning the need for one as the person in question was likely correct. The reporter also expressed their negative opinion of the individual, referring to them as an awful person.
In 2015, Mr. Witchell and Charles had a minor encounter at a fundraising event for the environment in Washington DC.
The reporter inquired from the King about his continued concern for environmental matters, and Charles responded by saying, “Let me put it differently.”
I believe it would be quite unexpected if I showed no concern for these matters.
In 2005, the individual known as Prince Charles at the time, infamously offended the BBC’s royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell.
On March 31, 2005, Prince Charles was pictured embracing Prince William and Prince Harry while on a ski vacation in Klosters with the rest of the Royal Family.
However, I believe that especially regarding the topic I have been discussing, there are numerous concerns to be mindful of.
Charles quickly got into his car and departed.
The BBC announced that royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell will be retiring next year, marking the end of his 47-year career with the network.
Nick has provided coverage from various locations worldwide and hosted important BBC News programs.
‘I appreciate the exceptional service you provided!’
Mr Witchell broadcast the confirmed news of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on August 31, 1997 and provided live radio commentary from outside Westminster Abbey at her funeral.
After completing his law degree at Leeds University, the individual, who is now 70 years old, initially joined the BBC. In 1979, he transitioned into a role as a BBC reporter in Northern Ireland, where he covered significant events such as the assassination of Earl Mountbatten and the IRA hunger strikes.
In 1982, he started working as a television news reporter and covered the Falklands conflict. He also reported on Margaret Thatcher’s 1983 general election campaign for the BBC. After that, he went back to Belfast and became the BBC’s correspondent for Ireland.
In 1984, he played a key role as a founding presenter alongside Sue Lawley on the Six O’Clock News.
During the year 1988, a group of lesbian protesters entered the Six O’Clock News studio while Mr. Witchell and Ms. Lawley were hosting the show.
The women were advocating against the Section 28 decision made by the government of Mrs. Thatcher, which banned the endorsement of homosexuality by local authorities.
During the year 1988, a group of lesbian protesters entered the Six O’Clock News studio while Witchell and Sue Lawley were hosting the show.
While Ms Lawley continued to read the news, Mr Witchell sat on top of one of the women and placed his mouth over her hand, resulting in headlines the following day.
Ms Lawley went on to call Mr Witchell a ‘true hero’ for his intervention, adding that he ‘handled everything superbly’.
He refuted the claim that he had used offensive language towards the protesters and stated: ‘What I actually said to her was, “Please stop talking, you have already expressed your protest.” Since she continued, I decided to sit on her.’
Mr Witchell went on to become the main presenter of the re-launched Breakfast News programme from 1989 to 1994.
Afterwards, he resumed his role as a frontline reporter for the BBC’s Panorama program. Subsequently, he served as the BBC’s correspondent covering royal and diplomatic affairs starting in 1998.
