According to The Guardian, the false rumor gained attention after being shared on a Telegram channel associated with Vedomosti, a reputable Russian newspaper. Accompanied by a photo purportedly showing King Charles in ceremonial military attire, the message declared his demise, spreading rapidly across Russian social media channels before being debunked.
Initially, pro-Kremlin outlets like Readovka circulated a fabricated document alongside an image of the monarch, claiming it was an official announcement from royal communications confirming his unexpected passing on March 18, 2024.
However, following a flurry of misinformation from Russian media, the British Embassy in Ukraine issued a statement in both English and Ukrainian languages, unequivocally refuting the reports, “News about King Charles III death is fake.”
Similarly, Buckingham Palace dismissed the rumors in a statement to the Russian state-run TASS news agency, affirming that the King “is continuing with official and private business.”
Despite the widespread dissemination of the false reports by various Russian mainstream news outlets and pro-Kremlin Telegram channels, many later corrected their stories.
The rumor about King Charles’ alleged death arises during a period of heightened speculation about the health of the 75-year-old British monarch, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the health of Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, following abdominal surgery in January.
The speculation surrounding Middleton’s health intensified after controversy emerged over the Palace’s release of edited photos of her, which subsequently sparked allegations of image manipulation. Middleton has not been seen publicly since her surgery on January 16, with social media platforms buzzing with speculation about her well-being in recent weeks, generating widespread attention and rumors globally.