Radio Caroline Apologizes for Computer Error That Announced the Death of King Charles III

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A shocking incident happeend in England on Tuesday afternoon, May 19, 2026, when the legendary radio station Radio Caroline mistakenly announced the death of King Charles III.

This fatal error caused confusion among listeners and station staff, even though King Charles III was known to be in good health and on an official visit.

The incorrect announcement was caused by a computer system malfunction that automatically activated the "Death of the Monarch" protocol that all radio stations in the UK had in place.

Upon realizing the error, Radio Caroline immediately restored its normal programming and issued an apology live on air and in an official statement.

Station manager Peter Moore explained that the incident was purely a technical error and expressed his deep regret to the King and his listeners.

🤭 And here’s the recording of the exact moment a British radio station accidentally “announced the death” of King Charles III live on air. https://t.co/SlQN5qGwYw pic.twitter.com/OBAwxwSA2a

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 21, 2026

This shocking incident centered on Radio Caroline, a familiar name in British broadcasting history.

Founded in 1964, Radio Caroline was known as a "pirate" radio station operating from an offshore ship, broadcasting to regions including southern England and the Midlands.

On the afternoon of May 19, 2026, a "computer error in the main studio" was the primary trigger for this fatal error.

The system automatically activated the "Death of a Monarch" procedure, a standard protocol maintained by all radio stations in the UK.

However, in this case, the inadvertent activation of the computer system led to the announcement of King Charles III, who was still alive and well at the time.

After the "Death of a Monarch" procedure was triggered, Radio Caroline immediately announced the suspension of its normal programming as a form of official respect for the death of King Charles III.

The broadcast then resumed with the playing of the national anthem "God Save the King" and went silent for approximately 15 minutes, in accordance with established protocol.

They immediately acted to restore the program and issued a live apology on air to shocked listeners.

Radio Caroline's station manager, Peter Moore, later issued an official statement via Facebook explaining the circumstances of the incident.

“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.

Radio Caroline offered its sincere apologies to King Charles III and all listeners for "any distress caused."

At the time of the erroneous announcement, King Charles III was known to be in good health and 77 years old.

He and Queen Camilla were on an official visit to Northern Ireland, enjoying various cultural activities.

The royal couple were seen attending folk music performances, watching traditional dances, and even sampling Irish whiskey in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

These activities clearly indicated that the King was in good health and actively carrying out his royal duties.

Public reaction to the incident varied.

Some listeners expressed shock and concern at the news, while others considered it an "honest mistake" and understandable.

One listener even recounted a humorous experience: he had already told his wife and neighbors before realizing the mistake, and then laughing with relief.