The Anglican Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, has been invited to go behind the mic on the day of the Coronation of King Charles III, for a national radio broadcast across all BBC local stations.  

Our region’s award-winning Radio Lancashire station has been chosen to take the lead on the day across the whole local radio network, with contributions giving a flavour of activities round the country from other BBC stations as the day progresses. 

Bishop Jill will work alongside BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver (both pictured) on the broadcast which begins at 10am on May 6.   

Bishop Jill and Graham are joining forces again following a successful partnership on the sombre occasion of the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September last year. 

This time they are together for the joyous moment of the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and both are looking forward to the big day.   

Graham, BBC Radio Lancashire’s Breakfast presenter, said: “I’m so proud that coverage of this historic event will be coming from Lancashire, with people right across England listening in. The programme will really benefit from the expert analysis and genuine warmth that Bishop Jill always brings with her.”  

Meanwhile Bishop Jill commented: “I am honoured to be joining Graham and the team at BBC Radio Lancashire once again to broadcast across the nation’s local radio stations on May 6.   

“Historically, at the time of a Coronation, beacons were lit on high points across the County and across the whole country to signal the happy news of a new Monarch to the whole population.

"Since the last Coronation so much has changed and we are now connected instantly to the latest news through our phones and laptops of course.   

“Perhaps that is the reason there will be no beacons for this Coronation, but here in Lancashire I have been talking since I arrived as Bishop in 2018 about lighting beacons of another kind … setting people’s hearts on fire for Jesus.   

“The Coronation is an important celebratory moment for the nation but it’s also an important spiritual moment too. We have the chance to witness a Christian service at Westminster Abbey on May 6, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since 1953.   

“Back then multiple households gathered together to watch Her Late Majesty’s Coronation on tiny black and white televisions. Now we have access on multiple media. Coronations are key transition moments in the life of our nation. My prayer is for God’s blessing on King Charles and Queen Camilla for grace and wisdom. May they know His grace and light."

Ronnie Semley, April 2023