Huw Edwards has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, the Metropolitan Police said.
The 62-year-old, who left the BBC last year, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with three offences relating to images shared on WhatsApp.
Edwards, one of the BBC’s highest-paid stars, was arrested by Scotland Yard detectives last November. He was charged last month.
According to the indictment, Edwards is accused of having six category A images, 12 category B photos and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp.
The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
A Met spokesperson said: “The offences, which are alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, relate to images shared in a WhatsApp chat.
“Edwards was arrested on 8 November 2023. He was charged on Wednesday 26 June following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service. He has been released on bail and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31 July.
“The media and the public are strongly reminded that this is an ongoing matter. No information should be published, including on social media, that could prejudice future legal proceedings.”
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “We remind everyone that the proceedings are ongoing and the accused is entitled to a fair trial. It is extremely important that no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online should prejudice these proceedings.”
Edwards was suspended by the BBC last July following media reports that a high-profile presenter had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a young man.
His wife later confirmed he was the presenter at the centre of the allegations, adding that he was being treated for serious mental health issues.
In April, he resigned from the channel on “medical advice.”
A BBC statement said: “After 40 years of service, Huw explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.
“The BBC has accepted his resignation, which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We do not believe it is appropriate to make any further comment.”
Earlier this month, the BBC’s annual report revealed that Edwards had been the BBC’s highest-paid journalist in the previous financial year, despite his nine-month suspension.
He earned £480,000 between March 2023 and April 2024, a pay rise of £40,000, making him the third highest-earning presenter at the corporation.
