Police said the three counts of making indecent images of children related to images allegedly shared on a WhatsApp chat.
The former news presenter living in Southwark in London was granted bail and is due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
“Media and the public are strongly reminded that this is an active case,” the Met Police said, in a statement provided to local media.
“Nothing should be published, including on social media, which could prejudice future court proceedings.”
Edwards was one of the highest paid presenters at the BBC until he left in April and announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II on air.
He earned £480,000 ($943,600) in the last year he was at the national broadcaster, behind only football presenter Gary Lineker (£1,354,999) and BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Zoe Ball (£954,999).