“King Charles Has Passed Away” — British Radio Station Airs False News Due to Technical Error

(Digital Itla) A well-known British radio station, Radio Caroline, has apologized after mistakenly broadcasting news of the death of King Charles III due to a computer malfunction.

According to the station’s administration, a technical fault automatically activated the emergency broadcast procedure related to the death of the monarch, after which the station also went silent for a short period.

The incorrect announcement was reportedly broadcast due to a computer malfunction at the station’s main studio in Maldon, Essex.

Station manager Peter Moore explained that the technical error triggered the special protocol that all British broadcasters keep prepared in case of the death of a king or queen, although they hope such procedures are never needed.

He said the station’s transmission was temporarily suspended after the protocol was activated, which alerted the administration to the issue. The broadcast was later restored, and an on-air apology was issued.

Radio Caroline has previously had the honor of airing Christmas messages from Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III, and the organization hopes to continue the tradition in the future.

Peter Moore further stated that the station apologizes to the King and its listeners for the distress caused by the mistake.

The incident occurred while King Charles and Queen Camilla were visiting Northern Ireland, where they also attended a performance by an Irish folk music group.