Radio station apologises after accidentally announcing King's death

A radio station that accidentally announced the King had died has apologised for "any distress caused".

Radio Caroline in Essex said a "computer error" at its main studio had led to the erroneous announcement being made on Tuesday afternoon.

In a post on social media, station manager Peter Moore wrote: "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 (May 19), 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.

"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 apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused."

The incident came as the King and Queen were on the first day of their trip to Northern Ireland, where they joined a performance with a folk group, watched dancers and sipped Irish whiskey in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

As part of the three-day trip, Charles and Camilla travelled to the Northern Ireland town of Newcastle on Wednesday, where the King joked with members of the public after bird poo landed on his suit jacket.

Read more from Sky News:
Aston Villa win first major trophy in 30 years
Analysis: Are Reform a bigger threat to Labour or the Conservatives?

On Wednesday afternoon, playback for the previous day's broadcast of Radio Caroline between 1.58pm and 5pm was unavailable on the station's website.

Radio Caroline, based in Maldon, was established in 1964 and is a former pirate radio station, according to its website and social media accounts.

(c) Sky News 2026: Radio station apologises after accidentally announcing King's death