Dermot Murnaghan, a distinguished news anchor who informed millions about the deaths of Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 68. Murnaghan passed away at his North London home surrounded by his family.
His death followed a year-long battle with stage four prostate cancer, a condition he publicly disclosed last summer. Following his diagnosis, Murnaghan became a prominent advocate for men to undergo regular testing for the disease.
Murnaghan's career spanned decades and major British broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Sky News. In 1997, while working for ITN, he was called upon to break the news of Princess Diana's death. Twenty-five years later, he announced the passing of Queen Elizabeth II for Sky News.
Colleagues remembered Murnaghan as a “legend of news,” praising his calm authority and professionalism. Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, described him as a “true gentleman” and a “brilliant journalist and broadcaster.” Piers Morgan called him a “terrific journalist, and a lovely man.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who has also undergone treatment for prostate cancer, noted the significant impact of Murnaghan's advocacy. Cameron stated that Murnaghan's decision to speak openly about his diagnosis, with “incredible clarity and just simplicity,” would have helped many men.
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with 12,000 men dying from it annually in the UK, and one in eight men developing the condition. It is highly curable if detected early, often through a PSA test. Murnaghan himself expressed regret in a previous interview that his own cancer might have been prevented if detected sooner.
“My instant thought, which is still with me, is, ‘What a fool I am.’ I’ve been sitting on sofas talking to people about health stories throughout my career. I was very aware of prostate cancer and the importance of the PSA test,” he had said. “I just thought, ‘Oh, I’ll get round to it.’”
Upon revealing his diagnosis, Murnaghan stated he was responding positively to treatment and urged men over 50, those in high-risk groups, or displaying symptoms, to get tested and advocate for routine screening.
Murnaghan had four children with his wife, Maria, to whom he was married for 37 years. His broadcasting career included presenting ITV's News At Ten, the BBC Ten O’Clock News, Channel 4 News, and BBC Breakfast. He also hosted the BBC quiz show Eggheads. He departed Sky News in 2023 after more than 15 years with the broadcaster.