A UK radio station has apologised after mistakenly announcing the death of King Charles III due to what it described as a computer error that accidentally triggered the broadcaster’s emergency “Death of a Monarch” procedure.
Radio Caroline said the false announcement was broadcast on Tuesday before the station abruptly went silent, prompting staff to quickly restore programming and issue a public apology.
In a statement shared on social media, station manager Peter Moore said the error activated a protocol designed to be used only in the event of the monarch’s death.
“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 said.
He added that the station immediately realised something had gone wrong after broadcasts stopped unexpectedly.
“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” he said.
The station apologised directly to the British monarch and listeners who may have been distressed by the mistaken announcement.
“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused,” the statement added.
The incident occurred while King Charles and Queen Camilla were carrying out engagements in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
According to Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen attended a cultural celebration at Thompson Dock, where the Titanic was built, and met performers preparing for the Irish music festival Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The royal couple also visited Titanic Distillers and later met Northern Ireland’s political leaders at Hillsborough Castle near Belfast.
