Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral could have 4.1 billion viewers and become ‘most watched broadcast of all time’
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral broadcast could garner as many as 4.1 billion viewers, it’s been reported. The event, which takes place on Monday, September 19, would then become the most watched broadcast of all time.
Due to take place at Westminster Abbey in London, it’s believed the live event will garner the interest of half the globe. The historic broadcast will come at the end of a 10-day period which has seen the body of the sovereign brought from Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands to Westminster Abbey.
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The previous record number of viewers for any broadcast was 3.5 billion who reportedly watched boxing great Muhammad Ali open the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996, reports the Daily Star. But if industry experts’ predictions are correct, the Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral would eclipse all other broadcasting records.
Carolina Beltramo, TV analyst at WatchTVAbroad.com, predicts: “Such is the love and admiration for Queen Elizabeth II around the world that her funeral is destined to be the biggest live TV event in history. Generations of people across the globe won’t have been alive the last time pomp and pageantry were seen on this scale.
“While it’s a sad occasion, they can be forgiven for being enthralled by a spectacle that echoes throughout history. For that reason alone they’ll be drawn to witness the dawn of this new age in their billions.”
She added that “no fewer than 4.1 billion people” are expected to tune in on Monday to witness this historic moment. There will be a UK national bank holiday to allow as many people as possible to watch the Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Officials also expect Westminster Abbey Hall will see almost half a million visitors coming to view the coffin of the Queen as she lies in state until Monday. Those who are unable to visit the capital are able instead to switch on their televisions as they turn to 24-hour streaming of the event.