Queen Elizabeth funeral: Aussie brekkie TV war heats up in UK

A massive Aussie media contingent descends on London, with one TV host left suffering major luggage drama.

A 100-strong media contingent from Australia has descended on London to be part of the biggest news story of a generation.

“This is part of history. That is one of the privileges of the job that we have, covering so many moments of modern history and you have to be grateful for it,” Sunrise co-host David Koch said, camped outside Buckingham Palace with thousands of media from around the world.

“The media reflects what our viewers, our readers, our listeners want and she was the monarch of Australia,” he said.

“We have got a new King. Even if you are a Republican or not, you understand that this woman, her position in history is extraordinary as a female historical figure. I think all of Australians understand that.”

Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr in front of Buckingham Palace in London three days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Ella Pellegrini

The battle for breakfast TV viewers is so hot that about 60 staff from both Channel 7 and 9 are involved in the production of breakfast TV shows live from London, through to the evening news.

With flights limited still due to global staffing shortages, many journalists travelled via various far-flung stopovers to make it to London as quickly as possible.

Sky News host Laura Jayes flew Qantas codeshare with British Airways through Dallas. On arrival in London, her suitcase was missing and is yet to arrive.

All Laura Jayes has with her after her luggage went missing on flight from Australia to the UK via Dallas.

A mad dash to the local shops to buy a navy suit and black blazer, as well as makeup and other basics, meant Jayes was able to broadcast live from Buckingham Palace alongside Sky News Australia co-host Peter Stefanovic.

“It is a great privilege to be here so losing your bag is just the way it is when you are covering the biggest story in the world,” Jayes said.

“Lucky there is a lot of black blazers in shops. This is one of the biggest stories of our generation so the logistics of covering this story and bringing it to your audience and wanting to do the best job you can, co-ordinating time zones and all of that, it is probably not what you want on just a few hours’ sleep in days.”

“I just live in hope that my bag will turn up with all of my other black clothes,” she said.

A Qantas spokesperson said Jayes has now received her luggage.

Sky News’ Peter Stefanovic and Laura Jayes broadcast live from Buckingham Palace.

Other Sky News talent on ground include Peta Credlin and Paul Murray.

About 12,000 local and international media have been accredited for the ‘media village’ over the 12 days through until Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday.

Veteran journalist and newsreader Sandra Sully is part of the Channel 10 contingent alongside on air talent including Angela Bishop, Ursula Heger, Jennifer Keyte and Lisa Wilkinson.

“What a moment in time to pause, reflect and remember. These next ten days will see much of the world watch on in awe as it mourns the loss of one of the greatest leaders of our time,” Sully told News Corp Australia.

“On the streets, and everywhere you look, you can’t help but be struck by the deep and abiding admiration and utmost respect everyone seems to have for her. And yet, while we all knew her health was declining, it still somehow seems too soon.”

Sully said it was one of the most historic moments of her career to be in London covering the commemorations.

“While some will wonder why all the fuss, this historic royal changing of the guard will be on such a grand scale the world has never seen,” she said.

“All the royal pomp and pageantry, historic rituals and traditions will be triumphantly showcased and broadcast to the world. Republicans and monarchists may argue the merits of such grandeur, but for many others, like myself, I will quietly mourn the passing of one of the most remarkable women of my lifetime. And while river of tears have and will be shed, a quiet solemn silence will sit with us for a very long time.”