UK regulator investigates radio station for false announcement of King Charles III death

On May 19, 2026, the British radio station Radio Caroline mistakenly broadcast announcements declaring the death of 77-year-old King Charles III. During the 'Barry Marsh Show,' a station employee triggered three prerecorded audio files containing the false reports out of what was later described as 'curiosity.' The broadcast included a claim that the monarch's death had been confirmed by media outlets, followed by the national anthem and approximately 16 minutes of silence. It took the station roughly 30 minutes to clarify to listeners that the King was alive and that the incident was a technical error.

The British media regulator, Ofcom, launched an investigation into the matter and released a report on August 10, 2026. The regulator determined that the station breached broadcast rules concerning factual accuracy and the timely correction of significant mistakes. Radio Caroline explained that the files were accidentally played because the workstation was connected to the live audio output. Following the formal reprimand from Ofcom, the station's host issued an apology to the public.