This weekend, social media became a hotbed of speculation surrounding a seemingly unfounded conspiracy theory about King Charles III.
Users of the social media X (formerly known as Twitter) wondered whether King Charles had passed away after a rumor spread about an alleged major announcement by the British Royal Family.
Has King Charles passed away?
No, King Charles III has not passed away. It’s all fake news that spread on social media.
It all started when an account spread the rumor with total certainty that Buckingham Palace was preparing to make an important announcement through the BBC.
The viral post read: “BBC has reportedly been notified to watch out for an ‘extremely important’ royal announcement. According to reports, BBC Events production unit has been notified to keep an eye out for a ‘major announcement’ from the royal family in the wake of current health crisis.”
BBC has reportedly been notified to watch out for an 'extremely important' royal announcement.
According to reports, BBC Events production unit has been notified to keep an eye out for a “major announcement” from the royal family in the wake of current health crisis. pic.twitter.com/zQiW7vyyO4
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) March 17, 2024
Another version of the theory included that the BBC had changed its social media profile picture to black. However, it later emerged that the profile picture had been that color for several weeks.
Online users began to speculate that the palace was hiding something and had advised the BBC to be prepared that the King had passed away.
This kind of news if we take into account that the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death leaked so fast that many journalists found out hours before Prince Harry himself.
In short, it would be a fact that would be very difficult to hide.
What happens if King Charles passes away: Operation Menai Bridge
Although the protocol for the funeral and burial of King Charles III is guarded, some details are known.
When King Charles III dies, ‘Operation Menai Bridge’ will be activated. The strategy takes its name from a bridge located in Wales.
On the day Charles dies, his family will be informed first and then the Prime Minister, before the news is given to Commonwealth countries, governments, and the press association.
In addition, a note will be posted at the gates of Buckingham and flags will be lowered to half-mast.
If Charles dies in London, his remains will be moved to Westminster Hall, as happened with Queen Elizabeth, although if he is in Scotland or elsewhere, the protocol will be different.
The funeral could be between nine and eleven days after the monarch’s death, at Westminster Abbey, and the burial will probably take place at Windsor, under the royal vault of St. George’s Chapel, unless King Charles III has other plans.
Fortunately, following his cancer diagnosis, King Charles is currently continuing his treatment and his duties have been reduced.