A UK-based radio station has apologised to King Charles III and its listeners after a technical error led to the false announcement of the monarch’s death during a live broadcast.
Radio Caroline said the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, when a computer malfunction mistakenly activated a pre-prepared emergency protocol used by British broadcasters in the event of a monarch’s death.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, station manager Peter Moore explained how the error unfolded.
“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.
He added that the station briefly went off-air as part of the emergency protocol before staff realised the mistake.
“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” he continued.
The station also extended an apology directly to the British monarch and listeners affected by the incident.
“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 broadcasts across several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, while also streaming online globally.
At the time of the false announcement, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were on an official visit to Belfast in Northern Ireland.
According to Buckingham Palace, the royal couple attended cultural events at Thompson Dock, the historic site linked to the construction of the Titanic. They also met organisers preparing for the internationally recognised Irish music festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, scheduled for August.
The royals later toured Titanic Distillers and visited a charity supporting digital skills development before meeting Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister at Hillsborough Castle.
The 77-year-old monarch, who disclosed in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, revealed in a video message last December that his treatment had been reduced due to positive progress in his recovery.
In recent weeks, the King has continued with public engagements, including visits to New York and Washington, DC, where he addressed the US Congress during commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
