Radio Blunder: Radio Caroline Accidentally Declares King Charles Dead After Automated Glitch
British radio station Radio Caroline has issued a formal apology after a major computer error caused it to accidentally broadcast a pre-recorded announcement declaring the death of King Charles III.
Technical Glitch Triggers Royal Obituary Protocol
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Radio Caroline's main studio in Maldon, Essex. The station was playing the song “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes when the music abruptly cut out.
Listeners were stunned as the broadcast was interrupted by a solemn voice announcing:
"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 pre-recorded broadcast falsely asserted that news media had confirmed the King's passing, before playing the British national anthem, God Save the King. Following the protocol, the station automatically fell silent.
Station Silence and On-Air Apology
The automated silence lasted for roughly 15 minutes, alerting engineers to the blunder. Station staff quickly bypassed the emergency loop, restored regular programming, and delivered an immediate on-air apology.
Station manager Peter Moore later clarified the situation on the station's official social media pages, explaining that a technical malfunction had accidentally triggered the highly sensitive "Death of a Monarch" protocol.
“The ‘Death of a Monarch’ procedure, which all UK stations hold in readiness while hoping not to require, was accidentally activated,” Moore stated. “We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.” Following the incident, catch-up playback for that afternoon's broadcast was temporarily removed from the Radio Caroline Official Website.
King Charles Alive and Well on Royal Tour
Buckingham Palace did not comment on the radio blunder, as the 77-year-old monarch is alive, well, and continuing his recovery from an undisclosed form of cancer.
At the exact time of the broadcast, King Charles and Queen Camilla were on an official three-day visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland. The royal couple spent Tuesday afternoon attending cultural celebrations and traditional music performances at the historic Titanic Quarter.
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