King Charles III’s formal ascension could force Channel 4 change for Super League clash

Though Huddersfield Giants’ fixture with the Salford Red Devils will still take place tomorrow, it is unsure what will happen with the Channel 4 coverage.

That is down to the fact that there will be the formal ascension of the new King Charles III which, of course, all terrestrial television channels will be covering.

The formal process of proclaiming him King, will be carried out by the Accession Council – a group made up of Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor of London, Realm High Commissioners and senior civil servants. – will take place tomorrow morning.

The formal process is split into two: the first gives the green light to numerous consequential orders including the arrangements, without the King present.

The second involves the King holding his first Privy Council, making his declaration and reading and signing an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland (as unlike in England, Church and State are separate there) and approve orders which facilitate the government continuity.

With that, it could take a while so with the ascension reportedly starting at 10am, it could elicit a clash with Channel 4’s coverage of Huddersfield and Salford.

Of course, everyone’s fingers and toes are crossed that that will not be the case given how hard Channel 4 has worked to get the message out for this weekend’s clash – though a number of people will still want to tune in if the fixture is moved to More 4, for example.

The RFL had revealed this statement earlier on today for the weekend: “Following the publication of National Mourning Guidance, and consultation with Government, other sports and Rugby League stakeholders including clubs, the RFL can confirm that fixtures at all levels will go ahead this weekend.

“This will include the Betfred Super League Elimination Play-Off on Saturday, the remainder of the Betfred Championship programme following the postponement of the one match scheduled for Friday night, the Betfred League One Play-Offs, the Women’s Super League Shield Semi Finals and all community fixtures including Physical Disability Rugby League Finals Day.

“This has been a difficult decision – we have taken into account the desire expressed by players and clubs at community level to come together to share their grief, and to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a former Patron of the Rugby Football League.

“Due respect will be paid to Her Majesty before all fixtures, with a period of silence and where possible the playing of the National Anthem, and the wearing of black armbands.”