UK radio station Radio Caroline has issued an apology after it mistakenly announced King Charles had died.
The Essex-based radio station made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, with God Save The King, the UK national anthem playing shortly after.
“This is Radio Caroline. We have suspended our normal programmes until further notice as a mark of formal respect following the passing of his Majesty King Charles III,” the broadcast said.
“This is Radio Caroline. His Majesty King Charles III has passed away. As a mark of respect we will now be playing suitable continuous music until further notice.
“The news media has confirmed that his Majesty King Charles III has passed away. Consequently as a mark of respect, Radio Caroline is suspending its normal programmes.”
Station manager Peter Moore later explained the error was made due to a computer malfunction, which led to the broadcast of the death of a monarch procedure.
“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,” Moore wrote on Facebook.
“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.”
At the time of the broadcast, the King was in Northern Ireland with Queen Camilla for their annual visit to the country. The royal couple stayed at Hillsborough Castle, their official residence in the country .
The royal was in Newcastle, County Down, to highlight local projects, including a community-run cinema, and he met with volunteers at The Pantry Foodbank.
Image: Stefano Costantino TTL / Shutterstock.com
