Oops

King Charles is alive! Radio station apologizes for shocking death announcement

The King and Queen were visiting Northern Ireland when the announcement was issued

King Charles III descends from the aircraft upon arrival in Bermuda, marking a historic first visit as monarch.

MAY 21, 2026 12:23 PM EDTMAY 21, 2026, 12:23 PM EDT

King Charles is alive and well! A UK station has issued an apology and an explanation after accidentally announcing the death of the King.

Radio Caroline, a British station established in 1964 that broadcasts in different countries, issued an apology to King Charles himself. In the statement, they explained that the announcement was caused by a computer error that triggered 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 (19 May), mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away,” said Peter Moore, the station manager for the company.

King Charles III returns to Bermuda more than five decades after his first visit as Prince of Wales. — Radio Caroline accidentally triggered the death of the monarch procedure

“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,” concludes the statement.

What the King and Queen were up to when the announcement aired

While the radio made the announcement, King Charles and Queen Camilla were having a good time in Northern Ireland

Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla were having fun in Ireland. The royal couple was in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where they were a part of a cultural celebration hosted at Thomson Dock, the dry ground where the Titanic stood before its fateful voyage. The visit marks their first to Northern Ireland this year. The pair were invited by the Irish President, Catherine Connolly.

Through their visit, the King and Queen separated for different engagements, with Queen Camilla visiting a bar and serving a glass of beer and engaging with different members of the public. She met three different business owners.

In the case of Charles, he visited the town of Newcastle, Co. Down, marking the first royal visit that the town has ever received. He met with volunteers for a local foodbank and collaborated in packing a parcel that will be sent to members of the community in need.

Charles also visited a movie theater, where he spent time with locals and theater-goers.

Queen Camilla posing with Paddington Bear in Northern Ireland — Queen Camilla with Paddington Bear in Northern Ireland