Ammon News - 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.


Sky News