“We apologise,” Radio station says after announcing death of King Charles by mistake

A radio station in the UK has apologised for mistakenly announcing the death of the King.

Radio Caroline, in a statement, said it was a “computer error” that led to the erroneous announcement.

In a post on social media, station manager Peter Moore 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 (May 19), mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away.

“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.

“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”

The incident came as the King and Queen were on the first day of their trip to Northern Ireland. He is very much alive.

King Charles III was coronated in May 2023.