Radio Caroline has issued an apology after mistakenly announcing that King Charles has died. The radio station, which broadcasts across the south of England and the Midlands, made the announcement and played God Save the King.
One online listener reported that the usual broadcast abruptly stopped before the hosts said normal programming had been suspended, followed by a 15-minute silence. After the hosts apologised for the confusion, it emerged that the announcement was due to a computer error.
Station manager Peter Moore wrote on Facebook: '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.' He added that Radio Caroline then fell silent as required, alerting them to restore programming and issue an on-air apology.
One listener commented: 'It was a shock, but after telling my wife and neighbours I realised it was a mistake - and perhaps it was the relief, but then the laughter set in.' Another wrote: 'I heard this while working in our garage. I dashed indoors shouting to the missus 'He’s dead ! Charlie is bloody dead!'. She looked puzzled and said 'Well he was just at the flower show yesterday'.'
On Tuesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Belfast on their first visit to Northern Ireland this year, having spent the previous day at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show. The 77-year-old monarch is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, but his recovery is said to be going well and he has returned to a fuller diary of public engagements.
