The BBC has announced it will waive the television licence fee for communities wishing to watch the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 19 May. The dispensation applies to local events such as street parties, town hall screenings, and community centre gatherings.
Organisers will be able to broadcast the ceremony live without needing to purchase a licence. The exemption also covers shops and agricultural shows, allowing the public to enjoy the nuptials at special events where television is not usually watched.
Pipa Doubtfire, the BBC's head of revenue management, said: 'I'm delighted to announce that we have decided to offer a one-off dispensation for the royal wedding on May 19. This will allow the public to enjoy live coverage of the occasion at special events like street parties, where TV is not usually watched, without needing to buy a licence.'
By law, any premises showing live television or iPlayer must have a valid TV licence. However, the BBC can grant dispensations in exceptional circumstances for events of national importance. The corporation previously waived the fee for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby.
