British radio station Radio Caroline has apologised after mistakenly airing a false announcement claiming King Charles III had died.
The incident reportedly happened on Tuesday at the station’s Essex studio when an emergency broadcast system prepared for the eventual death of a monarch was accidentally activated.
According to The Guardian, the station later explained that the error was caused by a computer malfunction.
In a statement posted on Facebook, station manager Peter Moore said the broadcaster’s “Death of a Monarch” protocol was unintentionally triggered.
“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,” he said.
The station revealed that staff quickly realised something was wrong after silence followed the announcement, prompting them to restore normal programming and issue an apology on air.
Moore said the station regretted the mistake and apologised to both King Charles III and listeners affected by the false report.
“We apologise to HM the king and to our listeners for any distress caused,” he added.
Radio Caroline also stated that it hopes to continue broadcasting the monarch’s annual Christmas message for many years.
The station, however, did not disclose how long the incorrect announcement remained on air before it was corrected.
