Radio station apologizes after accidentally announcing death of King Charles

Source: CNN

World > United Kingdom
Radio station apologizes after accidentally announcing death of King Charles

By Amarachi Orie
Updated 4 hr ago
Updated May 21, 2026, 8:06 AM ET
PUBLISHED May 21, 2026, 7:14 AM ET


King Charles III speaks during a reception in the garden of Government House in Hamilton, Bermuda, on May 1. Ian Vogler/Getty Images

A UK radio station has apologized to Britain’s King Charles III and its listeners after accidentally and incorrectly announcing the death of the monarch.

“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,” the station manager for Radio Caroline, Peter Moore, said in a statement shared on social media Wednesday.

“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” he continued. ... “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,” Moore added.

“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused,” the statement concluded. ... Established in 1964, Radio Caroline broadcasts in multiple countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, and is available online worldwide.

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Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/21/uk/radio-caroline-king-charles-death-apology-intl-scli