Radio station apologizes for mistakenly announcing King Charles' death

After the U.K. station Radio Caroline mistakenly announced the 77-year-old's death May 19, station manager Peter Moore issued an official apology.

"Due to a computer error at our main studio," the May 20 Facebook statement began, "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 then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology," he continued. "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 apologize to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused."

As for what happened? After the station played 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up," an automated message announcing Charles' death began playing, per audio circulating on social media.

"We have suspended our normal program until further notice as a mark of respect for His Majesty King Charles III," the announcement said. "This is Radio Caroline. His Majesty King Charles III has passed away."

"As a sign of respect, we will now be playing appropriate continuous music until further notice,” the message concluded before playing the national anthem, "God Save the King."

Charles, however, proved that same day he was doing well as he and Queen Camilla arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland. During his outing, he observed a robotics demonstration during the STEM-based workshop W5 Life, while Camilla spent the afternoon with children at Fane Street Primary School.

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The monarch concluded the day with a celebration for Fleadh Cheoil na héireann, the world's largest annual festival honoring Irish culture.

The mishap comes two years after Charles shared that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer. In December 2025, he shared that his treatment schedule would be reduced thanks to an early diagnosis and intervention.

"This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years," Charles shared at the time. "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment."

Charles isn't the only one who's been the subject of an accidental death announcement. Keep reading for more celebs who've navigated rumors about their own deaths.