Radio Station Accidentally Announces Death of King Charles
A radio station in the United Kingdom (UK) accidentally announced the death of King Charles.
Radio Caroline was playing the song “What's Up” by 4 Non Blondes when the music abruptly stopped.
A man was then heard saying: “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,” in a clip published by U.K. newspaper The Telegraph.
The man then added: “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,” it was then said. “Consequently, as a mark of respect Radio Caroline is suspending its normal programmes.”
The British national anthem was then broadcast.
The incident came as King Charles, 77, toured Northern Ireland with his wife, Queen Camilla, 78, on a surprise three-day royal visit.
The radio station has since apologized for "any distress caused."
Radio Caroline in Essex, England, said the mistake happened due to a "computer error" at its main studio on Tuesday, May 19, which led to the incorrect statement being made.
“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,” station manager Peter Moore said on social media.
He added: "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,” Moore said.
On Wednesday afternoon, playback for the previous day's broadcast of Radio Caroline between 1.58pm and 5pm was unavailable on the station's website.
Radio Caroline, based in Maldon, was established in 1964 and is a former pirate radio station, according to its website and social media accounts.On Wednesday afternoon, playback for the previous day's broadcast of Radio Caroline between 1.58pm and 5pm was unavailable on the station's website.
Radio Caroline, based in Maldon, was established in 1964 and is a former pirate radio station, according to its website and social media accounts.