A radio station has been forced to issue an apology after mistakenly announcing King Charles III had died.
Radio Caroline, which broadcasts across much of England, blamed the mistake on a “computer error”.
In a statement, Peter Moore, the Station Manager, clarified: “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 HRH 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.”
GB News has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Radio Caroline was founded in 1964 by Ronan O’Rahilly and Allan Crawford to compete with the BBC.
A radio station was forced to issue an apology after mistakenly announcing the ‘King had passed away’
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Unlicensed by any Government for most of its early life, it was a pirate radio station that never became illegal due to operating outside any national jurisdiction.
However, after the Marine, &c, Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967, it became illegal for a British subject to associate with it.
As a result, Radio Caroline was renamed Radio Caroline International.
King Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, are currently in Northern Ireland on a brief royal trip.
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Radio Caroline issued an apology on social media after the mistake
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They greeted the Northern Irish First Minister and her Deputy on Tuesday afternoon.
Their Majesties joined organisers and performers to mark a landmark moment for Belfast, which will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this August.
The festival, recognised as the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance, has never before been held in Belfast.
King Charles and Queen Camilla subsequently made their way to Titanic Distillers, and later W5 LIFE, an initiative established in 2022 to address the digital skills requirements of Northern Ireland’s evolving economy.
Queen Camilla and King Charles pictured in Belfast
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The Deputy First Minister took to social media to welcome the King, including a photo of the pair sitting in the castle.
“It is wonderful to have Their Majesties in Northern Ireland for a Royal Visit and to have the opportunity for a conversation with His Majesty, The King and to meet with Her Majesty, The Queen,” the caption read.
“I wish them all the very best for the rest of the trip!”