BBC Announcement of the death of King George VI (1952)

6 February 1952

On 6 February 1952, King George VI died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham House. As the news of the King's death spread, all cinemas and theatres closed, and BBC programmes were cancelled except for news bulletins and essential shipping forecasts. Flags in every town were at half-mast, and sports fixtures were cancelled.

The BBC's John Snagge broke the news to radio listeners around the world.

[richardelliott]

We had to hear the sad news that his daughter died today.

[ILikeTacos]

70 years without her father. R.I.P Her Majesty

[vinman]

So dignified back said in a matter of fact way, yet with great sorrow

[jamesblogger]

We had to hear it. The Queen has died sadly. May you Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II.

[altfactor]

I once read in a book about NBC's "Today Show" (which had gone on the air a few weeks earlier) that the news broke at 5:45 A.M. EST, and that the producers tossed out their planned program and devoted the entire two hours to coverage of the King's death, with audio reports via shortwave from London and file footage of the King.

Supposedly, that broadcast was a major turning point for the show, given that the news broke long after the morning newspapers in the U.S. had been printed.

[Pikaling]

If the same formula was used in September then they would of said "This is BBC News from London. It is with the greatest sorrow that we make the following announcement. It was announced from Balmoral at 6:30 today, September 8th 2022 that the Queen passed peacefully away earlier this afternoon. The BBC offers profound sympathy to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. BBC Television is broadcasting this special program reporting the death of Her Majesty the Queen."

[joshygoldiem_j]

1952, BBC terminates its programming. 2022, they reschedule their entire programming as soon as they've heard.

[mdttpen]

I'm re-listening to this on February 6th, 2025 - Queen Elizabeth, who was the only monarch I'd ever known to her death, would have celebrated the 73rd year of her reign today if she were still alive. It was amazing enough that she achieved 70!

[StephanieSwift-jthz]

When this announcement was made, I was a child, just turned four, playing on the floor of our cottage in Meanwood, near Leeds, Yorkshire. My mother was at the ironing board. The radio was on, but I was not paying attention to it. Then I heard my mother gasp, and when I looked up at her, she said, "The King is dead".

[carlitoon]

my language arts teacher an hour and 30 minutes ago told us that the queen died


we were all shocked

[altfactor]

Today, the death of a British monarch wouldn't mean the BBC would sign off except for shipping forecasts and newscasts.

Instead, there would be non-stop news coverage through the funeral.

[MatthewOkot]

The start of Queen Elizabeth II's long reign. RIP Your Majesty.

[delavalmilker]

Surprising that the BBC actually closed-down after this announcement.

[cameron]

wow. this was the very beginning of the queens long reign

[freedomstar]

No doubt a very sad day for the people of Great Britain. May King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace.

[brownjames]

Initially I thought that when John Snagge said “Her Majesty the Queen”, he meant the King’s wife but I think he meant the new Queen Elizabeth II. Interesting that the Crown had changed hands already.

[jamesBFC]

0:33 I wonder if they meant the Queen mother (wife of King George VI) or the new Queen Elizabeth II

[RichardTClark]

Well George 5 was murdered in his sleep so I guess there’s that . Actually come to think of it was that doctor anywhere around?