An English radio station inadvertently announced the death of King Charles III during a broadcast on Tuesday afternoon. The mistake was attributed to a computer malfunction at Radio Caroline, located in Essex. Following the announcement, station director Peter Moore issued an apology to both the king and listeners.
Error in Announcement
Radio Caroline accidentally triggered a protocol known as “Monarch,” which all British radio stations keep ready but hope never to use. This was revealed in a Facebook post by Peter Moore, who explained that the computer error occurred in the main studio.
Station Response
After recognizing the error, Radio Caroline publicly apologized on-air and via social media. The station expressed regret for the disturbance caused to its audience and the royal family.
Background on Radio Caroline
Founded in 1964, Radio Caroline is known for its commitment to broadcasting royal messages. The station previously aired Christmas messages from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. Moore emphasized the station’s hopes of continuing these broadcasts into the future.
King’s Condition
At the time of the erroneous announcement, King Charles III, 77, was visiting Northern Ireland. He is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, a condition he disclosed in February 2024.
Key Facts
- Event: Erroneous announcement of King Charles III’s death
- Radio Station: Radio Caroline
- Location: Essex, England
- Date of Incident: Tuesday afternoon
- Director: Peter Moore
- King’s Age: 77 years
- King’s Health: Undergoing cancer treatment (disclosed February 2024)
- Established: 1964
