Is King Charles Dead? Truth About The Viral Claims Which Triggered Panic And Confusion In UK

In 2024, the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III, was diagnosed with cancer and he withdrew from royal duties. And recently, it was reported that the King has passed away, which created confusion on social media. It so happened that Radio Caroline, a well-known UK broadcaster based in Essex, announced the same, and it created a sense of panic.

Is King Charles dead?

Well, the reports on King Charles’ death are not true and were described as a ‘computer error’. For the unversed, Radio Caroline accidentally activated the country’s special “Death of a Monarch” emergency broadcast procedure. It’s a protocol that British broadcasters keep prepared in the event of the monarch’s death.

After the news was accidentally broadcast, regular programming was suspended. Some reports said the British national anthem, “God Save the King,” was also played before the station suddenly went silent for around 15 minutes.

Radio Caroline apologises for the wrong broadcast

As reports of the monarch’s death made waves on social media and the staff realised the alert had been triggered in error, the broadcaster issued an on-air apology. Station manager Peter Moore said the incident was caused by a technical malfunction. He apologised to both the King and listeners for the distress caused by the false announcement. Moore said:

“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.”

Social media expressed shock

As soon as the unusual error went viral, social media expressed their shock and disbelief. The incident drew attention because King Charles and Queen Camilla had arrived in Belfast for their first visit to Northern Ireland earlier this year as part of a three-day visit. A day prior to the false announcement, King Charles and Queen Camilla spent the day at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, and since they were very much in public view, the announcement garnered huge attention.

King Charles was advised to take a step back from royal duties after his cancer diagnosis

On February 5, 2024, the royal communications team issued a public notice announcing the king’s health update. They added that as the king underwent surgery last month for prostate enlargement, the doctors noticed another abnormality, and on further investigation, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. In the same royal notice, the authorities have informed everyone that doctors have advised the king to take a step back from public-facing duties. 

King Charles’ personal life

In 1980, he started courting 19-year-old Diana Spencer and the two got married in 1981. Soon, the couple welcomed two children, William and Harry. Despite being married, King Charles was in love with his former girlfriend, Camilla Parker Bowles. Charles and Diana officially divorced in 1996, just a year before her tragic death. Charles and Camilla, after years of public backlash, got married in 2005 and, in 2023, were crowned the King and Queen of England.

What do you think about the viral claims of King Charles’ death?

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Images Courtesy: Prince Charles/Instagram Fanpage

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