A UK radio station accidentally announced the death of King Charles.
They have since apologized to the King and the radio’s listeners for “any distress caused” when the erroneous message went out.
Formal Apology
Radio Caroline, based in Essex, England, claimed the mistake was due to a “computer error” at its main studio on Tuesday. This led to the incorrect statement being broadcast across the radio waves.
Station manager Peter Moore posted a statement on social media.
He wrote, “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, mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away.”
Moore continued, “Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology. 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.”
He finished by saying, “We apologize to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”
The Announcement
On Tuesday, Radio Caroline was playing “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes when the music suddenly cut out.
A man came on the radio and said, “This is Radio Caroline. We have suspended our normal programs until further notice as a mark of formal respect following the passing of His Majesty King Charles III.”
The man added, “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.”
The man finished with, “The news media has confirmed that his Majesty King Charles III has passed away. Consequently, as a mark of respect Radio Caroline is suspending its normal programs.”
The British national anthem was then played on the broadcast.
Touring Ireland
The incident surrounding King Charles came while he was touring Northern Ireland with his wife, Queen Camilla. The pair were on a surprise three-day royal visit.
On Thursday, May 21st, the pair embarked on their final day of the trip to Strangford Lough, speaking to Judith Patton, who founded Ards Allotments.
During his time there, King Charles met volunteers, gardeners, and growers. It’s no secret that King Charles loves gardening and has a green thumb.
In the past month, he’s visited New York and Washington, DC. During that time, King Charles addressed Congress to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
He also addressed the UK Parliament last week.