A BBC documentary showing behind the scenes on the day of the King’s Coronation has received nearly 900 complaints.
Charles III: Coronation Year, which aired on BBC One on Boxing Day, drew 897 complaints from viewers who believed the show demonstrated bias in favour of the monarchy.
The show on its own received a third of the 2,665 “stage one” complaints about BBC programming between December 18 and 31.
Laying out the theme of the complaints the national broadcaster wrote: “We received complaints from some viewers who felt the tone of the programme was overly positive.”
Responding to the complaints, the BBC said: “Charles III: The Coronation Year is a one-off observational documentary that covers a period of historical significance when the King took on new duties and prepared for the first Coronation in this country for 70 years.
“It has unique access and captures personal moments as the King adapts to his new role. Editorial control is retained by the BBC. The BBC seeks to reflect a range of viewpoints in news and current affairs coverage of the monarchy.”
The response continued: “Earlier in 2023, when documenting the Coronation, Panorama on BBC One examined the structures and finances that surround the Royal Family and featured a newly commissioned poll about attitudes to the monarchy.
“On Radio 4, the Today programme had a debate on whether the UK needs a monarchy and The World This Weekend looked at its future. Overall, we have explored a range of perspectives on the monarchy, and will continue to do so.”
The royal item was not the most complained about show of the year, however. In fact, it wouldn’t even have made the top ten.
The Coronation itself received significantly more complaints – 8,421 – but only due to a remark made by actress Adjoa Andoh, in which she complained about the “terribly white” Buckingham Palace balcony.
