A British radio station has apologised to King Charles III and its listeners after mistakenly announcing the monarch’s death due to a technical error.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Radio Caroline station manager Peter Moore explained that the false announcement was triggered accidentally during a studio malfunction.
“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 was wrong after the broadcast system automatically went off air.
“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” he continued.
Moore also reaffirmed the station’s longstanding relationship with the royal family.
“Caroline has been pleased to broadcast Her Majesty the Queen’s, and now the King’s, Christmas Message and we hope to do so for many years to come,” Moore added.
“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused,” the statement concluded.
Founded in 1964, Radio Caroline is one of Britain’s best-known radio stations and broadcasts across several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, while also streaming online globally.
The erroneous announcement came while King Charles and Queen Camilla were carrying out engagements in Belfast.
According to Buckingham Palace, the royal couple attended a cultural event at Thompson Dock, the historic site where the Titanic was built before its maiden voyage.
During the visit, they met performers and organisers preparing for the internationally recognised Irish music festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, scheduled for August.
The King and Queen also toured Titanic Distillers, where they learned about whiskey production, before the monarch visited a local charity focused on expanding digital career opportunities.
Later, the couple met Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Deputy First Minister at Hillsborough Castle, the royal residence near Belfast.
King Charles, 77, revealed in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. In a video message released in December, the monarch disclosed that his treatment would be scaled back this year following positive progress in his recovery.
In recent weeks, the King has maintained a busy public schedule, including visits to New York City and Washington, D.C., where he addressed Congress as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. He also delivered an address to the UK Parliament last week.
