UKTV: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

There’s now so much coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee it’s getting difficult to keep up.

There’s A-PAC, ABC1, ABC News 24, and a concert on Nine.

Naturally the UKTV channel will also give this comprehensive coverage, and it is in HD.

It will cover events on both Sunday and Tuesday nights, live and uninterrupted.

BBC Worldwide Channels today announced that its coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations will air on the BBC channels across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, India, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The live coverage will be taken directly from BBC ONE in the UK, bringing global audiences the top British presenters, experts and top music talent to its coverage. The celebrations will also be available via the BBC Global iPlayer in selected markets.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations lead the London Calling season, an ambitious global television event which will run for two months and features a fantastic line up of exclusive dramas, comedies and documentaries that celebrate the wonderful city that is London.

Jana Bennett, President Worldwide Networks and Global BBC iPlayer said: “I am delighted that we are able to deliver this truly British affair under a British brand to viewers all around the World. These joined-up broadcasts unite our viewers around the world and make them feel part of the celebrations from the comfort of their own home”.

More details on the comprehensive live coverage have also been revealed:

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Thames Pageant
Sunday 3 June, from 10:30pm – 3:00am, live and uninterrupted in HD on UKTV

A massive four-and-a-half hour broadcast spanning the pageant route and more, the broadcast will follow the 1000 boats from the UK and the Commonwealth accompanying The Queen along the River Thames.

Unprecedented eight-camera coverage on the specially converted Royal Barge means the BBC will be able to capture the reactions of the Royal Family on this momentous occasion.

Coverage will be led by Matt Baker and Sophie Raworth from their special studio at the historic former Thames fish market Old Billingsgate, looking right over the river and the climax point of the flotilla at Tower Bridge.

Clare Balding will be aboard the Royal Row Barge The Gloriana, which will lead the rowing section, rowed by 18 oarsmen including ex-servicemen, Olympic Gold Medallists and Thames watermen.

A surprise celebrity guest has been learning the art of bell ringing and will be on board the specially built belfry that will lead the entire flotilla. Its peeling bells will ring out and be answered by churches along the river.

On board the BBC’s exclusive presentation boat, The Zephyr, right at the heart of the Pageant will be comedians Frank Skinner, Griff Rhys Jones, Omid Djalili and Sandi Toksvig providing an alternative and amusing reflection on the pageant as it takes place.

Ben Fogle (Year of Adventures) will row a Triple Skiff with some friends and give us an insight into what it’s like to take part in the man-powered section, at the front of the pageant.

John Sergeant will be at Westminster Bridge with John Major, Richard E Grant and others taking a political, literary and satirical look at the Thames’s place in our culture and history. Richard E Grant will read the famous Wordsworth poem On Westminster Bridge.

The BBC will also be aboard one of the music boats, the “Symphony”, which has a full symphony orchestra and choir aboard. They will perform the musical finale, being the last boat in the flotilla.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Service of Thanksgiving and Royal Procession
Tuesday June 5, 2012 from 6:15pm – 12:45am, live and uninterrupted in HD on UKTV

The final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend, Tuesday 5 June, is a State Occasion and will be marked by a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, attended by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh together with other members of the Royal Family.

Commentary from St Paul’s will be provided by James Naughtie. Sophie Raworth will be reporting from St Paul’s; Fiona Bruce will be at the Palace of Westminster; and Chris Hollins and Sonali Shah will be in The Mall. Clare Balding will be at the Knightsbridge Barracks meeting new trainees of the Household Cavalry who have been learning to ride in time for this historical day.

Following a reception at Mansion House and a Diamond Jubilee lunch in the Palace of Westminster, the route from there to Buckingham Palace will be lined by thousands of well-wishers as The Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family travel in a formal carriage procession. The King’s Troop RHA pays tribute with a 60 gun salute from Horse Guards Parade.

The Royal Family will appear on the balcony to and watch the RAF fly past and a Feu de Joie – a cascade of rifle fire by The Queen’s Guard.