Queen absent as BBC News host addresses Sandringham WI

He’s been a familiar face in millions of living rooms for well over two decades, but Huw Edwards is facing a very select audience in West Norfolk this afternoon.

The BBC News anchor was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Sandringham and West Newton Women’s Institute, which the Queen traditionally attends in her role as branch president.

But the monarch herself was a surprise absentee from the meeting as she is understood to be suffering from a cold.

Mr Edwards, who hosted the corporation’s General Election coverage for the first time last month, said it was “daunting and exciting” to be invited to address the group.

Speaking outside the West Newton Village Hall, where the meeting took place, he said he would talk about the challenges facing broadcasting and some of the people he has met during his career.

He added: “It’s a big honour and privilege being here.”