DigitEye India Fact Checkers
Several claims are going viral on King Charles III’s demise on social media following his non-appearance at St Patrick Day functions on March 17, 2024. Some posts on twitter even claimed that Union Flags are flying at half-mast outside Government Buildings across the United Kingdom. This was followed by rumours of the possible demise of King Charles, as seen below:
What we know so far:
• Reports of Union Flags flying at half-mast outside Government Buildings across the UK.
• BBC reportedly on standby for an “imminent announcement” from the Royal Family.
• @BBC’s profile picture is black.
Are King Charles III and Kate Middleton okay? pic.twitter.com/AoirRbsSPf
— Cillian (@CilComLFC) March 18, 2024
FACT CHECK
First of all, the flag at Buckingham Palace is NOT at half-mast. A video to this effect is widely circulating on Twitter and the alleged image next to it was from September 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Hence, no truth in this claim.
Secondly, the claim says BBC’s profile picture is black. But this was answered online showing that the profile picture of BBC was the same for over a month.
Thirdly, the UK embassy in Ukraine debunked such claim officially as shown here:
🇬🇧 We would like to inform you that the news about the death of King Charles III is fake. pic.twitter.com/Ilg2GZn0mo
— UK in Ukraine 🇬🇧🇺🇦 (@UKinUkraine) March 18, 2024
The denial clearly shows the claim as well as seen below:
Moreover, if the King were to die, there is a protocol in place with official coverage and press notes being released on his health as was seen during the last days of Queen Elizabeth II. Hence, the claims of the demise of King Charles III are false.
Claim: Social media posts claim the possible demise of King Charles III.
Conclusion: False, none of the indications are true and the official denial can be seen when UK embassy in Ukraine called it fake.
Rating: Totally false — 
