Witchell, who has been the royal correspondent for the broadcaster since 1998, was famously criticized as “awful” by the Prince of Wales during an encounter on the ski slopes in Klosters, Switzerland, nearly 19 years ago.
In a surprising turn of events, the monarch sent a “warm-hearted” personal message to the 70-year-old BBC journalist to commemorate his retirement from the corporation after nearly 50 years of service.
The message was played at Witchell's farewell party at Broadcasting House in central London, leaving guests surprised to hear Charles make light-hearted jokes about the relationship's "ups and downs".
Despite Witchell choosing not to divulge the contents of the messages, he did mention to the newspaper, “Yes, there were a couple of messages – one of which was certainly a surprise.
” Throughout his career, Witchell has covered significant royal events such as births, deaths, and weddings, with the most memorable being his encounter with Charles on the slopes at Klosters in 2005.
During a photo session with Charles, Witchell was permitted by aides to inquire about his upcoming wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles.
Unaware of nearby microphones picking up his comments, Charles was heard saying to Princes William and Harry, “Bloody people.
I can’t bear that man.
He’s so awful, he really is.
” Reflecting on the incident in a prior interview, Witchell expressed being somewhat surprised by the remarks and the global attention they received.
He clarified that Charles’s feelings were not related to the wedding question but rather an earlier article Witchell had written about him holidaying in the Mediterranean on a friend’s yacht.
Despite the strained past, it appeared that the duo had put their differences aside, with Charles becoming a patron of a charity co-founded by Witchell in 2019.
A BBC source conveyed that the organization was pleased with the surprise tribute and the perceived reconciliation between the two figures.
They noted, “What happened between them is a long time ago, and both men are at an age where bearing grudges is better left in the past.
” The tribute marked one of the many accolades bestowed upon Witchell during his retirement celebration on March 21, organized by Tim Davie, the corporation’s director-general.
Witchell had announced his retirement from the BBC in October after close to 50 years of service, humorously remarking that it was time for him to “shove off” and focus on other pursuits.
He expressed gratitude for the privilege of working at the esteemed news broadcaster, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the BBC for its exemplary journalism and broadcasting standards.
Following the farewell gathering, Witchell shared, “I had a very pleasant evening hosted by the director-general with a number of colleagues with whom I’ve worked over the nearly 48 years I’ve been at the BBC.
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