Radio station apologizes after accidentally announcing death of King Charles

[mahatmakanejeeves]

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

[Ray Bruns]

1. He's not dead!

https://m.

[FalloutShelter]

3. LOL

[wolfie001]

5. How apropos!

[William Seger]

2. Are they using AI?

(Serious question, not a joke.)

[PatSeg]

7. I was wondering the same thing

No one can take seriously much of what they hear on the news anymore. Now we have to double and triple check everything they say, but many people will believe whatever they hear.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Ironically, most in the UK would have assumed Radio Caroline died years ago

It was a "pirate" radio station in the 60s, broadcasting from a ship offshore, when the BBC had an official monopoly. But since the 70s, commercial broadcasting licences were issued, and Caroline faded. It turns out it has had an AM licence for the east of England since 2017, and streams online too.

[twodogsbarking]

6. Do Trump next. Just for shits and giggles.

[PatSeg]

8. Oh that is wicked

Just imagine the jubilant celebrations followed by a devastating letdown when the truth comes out.

Still it could be fun and just imagine Trump's reaction.

[Wicked Blue]

9. Maybe he would collapse ...

[PatSeg]

12. Hopefully

He doesn't respond by bombing someone(s).

[Talitha]

10. "Do Trump next. Just for shits and giggles."

Problem is, that little weenie would sue them out of existence.

But damn, I'd love an audio copy to play 24/7.

[The Grand Illuminist]

11. NBC did the same to Joe DiMagio.

Just laugh it off.