Feb 23, 2010, 12:04 GMT
Five of Britain's royal family have been axed from a BBC "death list".
Princes Harry, Andrew and Edward, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex are among the high-profile names who have been demoted in the broadcaster's hierarchy of deaths which will no longer trigger instant newsflashes on BBC1 and BBC2 if they pass away.
The list, which had been known as Category 2, meant a specific "obituary procedure" would be followed when they died, including the broadcasting of pre-prepared documentaries and news flashes, but this has now been abolished.
The royals have instead been put in a category with "Other Notables", including boxer Muhammad Ali, activist Lech Walesa and singer Bob Dylan.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the names of other major public figures to be demoted from Category 2 include Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US President Barrack Obama.
Meanwhile, Category 1, which is known as the elite, remains unchanged and includes only Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Princes Charles and William.
The details of the "death list" were sent to all news staff after being drawn up by BBC executives.
The BBC and Buckingham Palace have both refused to comment on the changes.
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