A technical malfunction caused UK radio station Radio Caroline to accidentally broadcast a false announcement regarding the death of King Charles III on Tuesday afternoon, May 19.
The incident occurred while the 77-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla were visiting Belfast during a three-day official tour of Northern Ireland and Ireland.
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Accidental Broadcast and Retraction
The accidental broadcast abruptly halted scheduled programming to air a statement from the host before playing "God Save the King" and going silent for approximately 15 minutes.
"This is Radio Caroline. His Majesty King Charles III has passed away.
As a mark of respect, we will now be playing suitable continuous music until further notice," said the host.
The announcer further stated that mainstream media outlets had already verified the information regarding the monarch.
Station operators quickly realized the system error, restored regular programming, and issued an on-air retraction to listeners.
"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 (May 19), mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away," wrote Station Manager Peter Moore in a Facebook statement.
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The station immediately went offline following the automated announcement, which alerted staff members to the severe technical blunder.
"Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology," stated Moore.
Management extended their formal regrets to the royal family and the public for the confusion caused by the automated protocol.
"We apologize to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused," stated Moore.
Buckingham Palace has declined to provide an official public comment regarding the broadcast error.
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The Mirror reported that King Charles III is healthy and active, having traveled to Northern Ireland after attending the Royal Chelsea Flower Show the previous day.
