Daily Mail: Awkward moment BBC newsreaders don't have a clue who Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is - but Aussie commentators also didn't recognise UK leader Liz Truss

Story from Daily Mail:

British presenters were left red-faced after failing to recognise Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he arrived for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

National broadcaster BBC listed a host of names as world leaders filed into London's Westminster Abbey for Monday's state funeral, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

But the live coverage went awkwardly silent for a few seconds when cameras zoomed in on the Australian Prime Minister and his partner Jodie Haydon entering the chapel.

The presenters made no reference to Mr Albanese as they turned their attention back to King Charles III making his way towards Westminster Hall.

The moment led many viewers to believe the presenters didn't know he was.

It comes as Australian network Channel Nine failed to recognise new British Prime Minister Liz Truss and thought she was a 'minor royal.'

The BBC blunder didn't go unnoticed by eagled-eyed Australian viewers back home.

'BBC commentary not recognising Albo was pretty great,' one woman tweeted.

Commentator Jane Caro tweeted: 'BBC focuses on Albo entering the church - it's clear the commentators have no idea who he is.'

But not all viewers were mortified.

'I can't say this without it sounding insulting so, apologies, but that's because nobody in Britain - ordinary people, the press, and probably the royals too, really gives a damn who the Australian PM is,' one woman replied to Caro's tweet.

Another added: 'I'm loving the BBC coverage for its complete lack of 'oooh, oooh there's an Australian.'

Some saw the funny side.

'Loved that stuff up ... BBC's 'The King is making his way..' and our picture shows Albo & Jodie,' one viewer quipped.

The BBC wasn't the only broadcaster to make a blunder during its live coverage of the arrivals.

Australia's own Channel Nine also made a similar gaffe, mistaking new British Prime Minister Liz Truss for a 'minor royal.'

As Ms Truss climbed out of her car to attend the ceremony, veteran network presenters Peter Overton and Tracy Grimshaw were left scratching their heads as to who she was.

'So, this is a significant motorcade, we are being told now,' Overton said.

'Come with us as we try and identify who is getting out of the car. This is under police escort of course. I would suggest this might be royalty, Tracy.

'Hard to identify. Maybe minor royals, members of the … I can't identify them at this point …'

The mystery was resolved shortly afterwards as viewers took to social media to slam Channel Nine.

'I'm told that was Liz Truss the new Prime Minister in the distance, she could see hopping out of the car. Thank you very much for that information,' Overton said.