Royal wedding TV coverage: BBC and ITV went head-to-head over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s big day… but there was only one winner

Both broadcasters covered the big day
'Winner': Viewers praised ITV for their royal wedding coverage
ITV
Natasha Sporn19 May 2018

ITV appeared to win the battle of the broadcasters as viewers praised their coverage of the royal wedding over that of the BBC.

Both channels lined up well-known talent to provide wall-to-wall coverage of the eagerly-awaited wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on Saturday.

While both networks attracted viewers, Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham’s ITV broadcast appeared to be more of a hit with those watching at home.

Alongside a host of emojis, one wrote: “ITV had the best coverage! #RoyalWedding.”

BBC: Dermot O'Leary and Kirsty Young didn't prove as popular with viewers on social media
BBC

While another said: “Thoroughly enjoyed @ITV ‘s coverage of the royal wedding- sensitive, no inane chatter or dour faces and best of all, no adverts throughout.”

“OMG @ITV I am loving the coverage of The Royal Wedding. @Schofe commentary is award winning. Love how they all got so excited when Meghan then the happy couple passed by their commentary box :) <3,” praised somebody else.

Live from a specially constructed studio in Windsor, just by St George’s Chapel in the Castle, Schofield and Etchingham proved more popular with viewers than BBC coverage hosted by Dermot O’Leary, Kirsty Young and Huw Edwards.

Although, the BBC did have plenty of supporters on social media as the three - alongside their roving reporters, including Ore Oduba, - guided viewers through the day.

O’Leary incurred the wrath of viewers as they accused him of “slouching” and “mumbling” while on air .

Meanwhile, Sky News and Kay Burley proved to be a hit with those watching, too, as many praised Burley for her interviews with children excited to share the special day in the heart of the action.

Royal Wedding 2018: Service - In pictures

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