- UK radio station mistakenly activated “Death of a Monarch” protocol.
- Station fell silent before issuing an on-air apology.
- King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Belfast at the time, attending cultural events.
- Radio Caroline, founded in 1964, is a historic offshore broadcaster.
London, May 20, 2026 (Agencies) — Radio Caroline has formally apologized to King Charles III and its listeners after mistakenly announcing the monarch’s death due to a technical error.
Station manager Peter Moore explained in a statement that a computer malfunction triggered the “Death of a Monarch” procedure — a protocol held in readiness by UK broadcasters but rarely used. “Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology,” Moore said.
He added that the station, established in 1964 and broadcasting internationally, has long taken pride in airing royal Christmas messages and hopes to continue doing so “for many years to come.”
The apology concluded: “We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”
Radio Caroline is one of the UK’s most iconic offshore radio stations, originally launched in 1964 to challenge broadcasting restrictions by transmitting from ships anchored in international waters. Known for its role in popularizing rock and pop music during the 1960s, the station became a symbol of broadcasting freedom. Today, Radio Caroline operates legally, broadcasting across the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and streaming worldwide online. Its legacy as a pioneer of independent radio continues to attract a loyal audience.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday. The royal couple joined a cultural celebration at Thompson Dock, where the Titanic once stood, meeting performers preparing for the renowned Irish music festival Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The King also visited Titanic Distillers to learn about whiskey-making and later toured a local charity promoting digital career skills. The day concluded with meetings at Hillsborough Castle with Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister.