Diamond Jubilee: criticism grows of BBC's 'lamentable' coverage Fry wrote: "Has the BBC ever presented a more mind-numbingly tedious programme in its history? Tory MP for Reading East, Rob Wilson, also joined the voices condemning the BBC's jubilee reporting. Seems we all agree on terrible BBC coverage. How did Beeb get it so wrong" he wrote. Despite the poor coverage those who turned out for event enjoyed the day in spite of torrential downpours. The Queen smiled on through the cold and wet, resisting the joint temptations of an indoor berth and a hot cup of tea to wave non-stop from the windswept deck of the royal barge from start to finish of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The BBC defended its coverage. A spokesman said: "We're very proud of the quality and breadth of the BBC's coverage of this extraordinary event." But those watching at home were less than complimentary. Austin Mitchell, Labour MP for Great Grimsby, summed up the coverage in similarly disparaging terms. One hated Thames Armada. No Navy left so hordes of tatty boats. Queen freezing, BBC 5Live and TV commentary pathetic. A disgrace," he An estimated 1.2million people, a bigger turnout than for last year's royal wedding, lined 14 miles of riverbank, turning it into an unbroken chain of red, white and blue. The day had begun with six million people around the country attending 10,000 street parties from Devon to Dumfriesshire, almost all of which had gone ahead despite the weather.