This is Kirkham Luddington reporting live from outside Buckingham Palace. . . .”
The well-known BBC journalist had been bringing news to the nation for more than twenty years. But never in his career had he reported a story this huge.
Networks from around the world were scrambling to get to this very spot. Within twelve hours the Mall and both parks would be choked with television crews. Right now, however, the stage was his. As first on the scene, Luddington knew well enough that millions, if not billions, of eyes at this moment were resting on him.
“All the United Kingdom,” he went on, “indeed, the entire world, is reeling from the stunning announcement, released by the Palace just one hour ago, that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will abdicate the throne one month from today in favor of her son, His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales. The Queen issued the following statement, which was included with the press release. I quote: ‘It has been my privilege to enjoy a long and fulfilling reign in the service of the British people. However, at this pivotal time in our history, I feel our nation can best be served with leadership provided by fresh blood from the next generation. My son, the Prince of Wales, has served a loyal and dedicated apprenticeship for the role to which history has destined him. The time has come that he be given opportunity to step into that calling. I ask that the support and prayers of every citizen be accorded him as they have me. I thank you each one, my loyal subjects and also my friends and fellow countrymen and women, for the love and support you have shown during my fifty years as your Queen. God bless you all.’”
Luddington paused to allow the incredible words to sink in. Even outside the Palace in the midst of traffic it was nearly silent.
After a moment the reporter continued. “We will update you with more details as they become available,” he said. “Speculation has already begun concerning possible underlying causes for this startling and unexpected development beyond those expressed in the Queen’s statement, ranging from health problems to the continuing decline of the royal house of Windsor and the monarchy in general. ‘It is possible,’ a highly placed Palace official noted to this reporter just minutes after the announcement, ‘that the Queen does not want to go down in history as the kingdom’s final monarch. What she may be handing Charles,’ he went on, ‘is not the future of the crown, but its final gasping expiration.’
“A statement from the office of the Prince of Wales is expected later in the day. At this point he has not responded publicly to the Queen’s announcement.
“No dates have yet been put forward for the coronation. Early reports indicate that the Palace will likely push plans forward as quickly as possible in order to have the ceremony take place prior to next year’s elections. . . .”