All hail Sir David Attenborough! Viewers are delighted as broadcaster, 96, helps front BBC coverage of procession for his friend the Queen – but say he has to be ‘kept safe’ to avoid ‘losing him too’

Viewers of the BBC‘s coverage of the Queen‘s funeral procession were delighted to see it being fronted by Sir David Attenborough.

The national treasure, who was born just two weeks after the Queen, joined Robert Hardman and Huw Edwards on the BBC broadcast on Wednesday afternoon. 

Sir David, a friend of the Royal Family who met the Queen on a number of occasions, offered his insight into what Her Majesty was like as a person. 

Royal fans were delighted to see the veteran broadcaster, 96, on screens, but also called for him to be ‘wrapped in bubble wrap’ and keep him ‘protected’. 

David Attenborough talks about what he sees for King Charles reign

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Viewers of the BBC’s coverage of the Queen’s funeral procession were delighted to see it being fronted by Sir David Attenborough, pictured 

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David Attenborough poses next to the Queen after accepting the annual Chatham House award, in London, Britain November 20, 2019

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The Life Guard dismounted detachment of the Household Cavalry and the Dismounted detachment of the Blues and Royals are seen entering the gates of Buckingham Palace ahead of the procession for Queen Elizabeth II this afternoon

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Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pay their respects today 

Some Twitter users were concerned he had died when he started trending on Twitter following the coverage, with one saying that with the Queen’s passing they couldn’t ‘take any more.’ 

William and Harry stood together with their wives Kate and Meghan today as they put aside their bitter feud to honour the Queen for her lying in state service inside Westminster Hall.

While the brothers walked side-by-side for the poignant 38-minute procession from Buckingham Palace, their spouses travelled in separate cars, with Meghan accompanied by the Countess of Wessex and Kate joined by Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Commenting on the outpouring of grief, Sir David said: ‘The actions of today symbolized dignity, and that life has a serious side – expressed by tens of thousands of people in a very moving afternoon.’ 

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The national treasure, who was born just two weeks after the Queen, joined Robert Hardman and Huw Edwards on the BBC broadcast on Wednesday afternoon 

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The broadcaster and environmentalist looked emotional as he discussed the Queen’s passing today on the BBC

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Sir David and the late Queen’s friendship stretched back years. Pictured above Elizabeth II with David Attenborough Filming the Christmas Message in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace – 1986

He also commented on King Charles’ passion for the environment, saying: ‘He shares that point of view about the relationship with the natural world and took extreme lines when they were not as popular or widespread as they are now. 

‘It came from his heart it really meant it – it couldn’t be more important now than ever.’ 

His unexpected appearance sparked a reaction on Twitter. 

One person said: ‘Excuse me? It is a grey day. There’s possibly damp air. WHY is he out? Where is the cotton wool? Where is the bubble wrap? 

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Another agreed saying: ‘Please someone wrap David Attenborough in a bubble!’

One reassuringly said: ‘It’s alright everyone David Attenborough is still alive he’s on the telly today!’ 

A correspondent called Catherine Phillips said: ‘Omg David Attenborough is on the tv, please let it not be a terrible omen. The UK cannot cope.’ 

The Queen’s coffin entered Westminster Hall as the choir of Westminster Abbey and the choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, sang Psalm 139. When the Queen arrived, Charles, William and Anne saluted. 

Harry and Prince Andrew – barred from wearing military uniform – bowed their head instead.

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Prince William, Prince Harry and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, stand in Westminster Hall alongside the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pay their respects to the Queen’s coffin as Kate and William turn round to walk out of the hall 

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Harry put his hand on his face while reading the order of service for today’s short ceremony in the heart of the Palace of Westminster 

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Kate and Meghan arrive at Westminster Hall, where the Queen’s coffin will lie in state before her funeral at Westminster Abbey 

The Archbishop of Canterbury then read the opening prayer, which the King led the royals in reciting. The family stood silently for the short service that the late monarch had put together with the Church of England before she died aged 96.

After the congregation was dismissed, cries of ‘God save the King’ could be heard as the King and the Queen Consort left Westminster Hall as Big Ben rang out at 3.30pm.

Royal couples left the building side by side, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex holding hands and the Princess of Wales rubbing her husband’s arm reassuringly.

From 5pm mourners will be able to file past the coffin to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch with an estimated 1million people expected to queue for up to 30 hours to see her before the state funeral on Monday.