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A United Kingdom-based radio station has apologised to Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, and its listeners after mistakenly announcing that the King had died due to a technical error.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, May 20, station manager of Radio Caroline, Peter Moore, explained that the error occurred when the station’s emergency “Death of a Monarch” procedure was accidentally triggered.
“Due to a computer error at our main studio, the Death of a Monarch procedure, which all UK stations hold in readiness while hoping not to require, was accidentally activated on Tuesday afternoon (19 May), mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away,” Moore stated.
According to him, the station immediately went off air as required under the protocol, prompting officials to quickly restore normal programming and issue an on-air apology.
“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” he added.
Moore further noted that the station has previously broadcast Christmas messages from the late Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles, expressing hope of continuing the tradition for many years.
“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused,” the statement concluded.
Founded in 1964, Radio Caroline broadcasts across several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, and also streams online globally.
At the time of the false announcement, King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Belfast attending cultural events.
According to Buckingham Palace, the royal couple visited Thompson Dock, the historic site linked to the construction of the RMS Titanic, where they interacted with performers and organisers preparing for the internationally recognised Irish music festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The King and Queen also toured a local whiskey distillery and later met Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister at Hillsborough Castle.
King Charles, 77, revealed in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. In a video message released in December, he disclosed that his treatment would be reduced this year after responding positively to medical care.
In recent weeks, the monarch has undertaken several public engagements, including visits to New York City and Washington, where he addressed the US Congress as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Source: CNN