Ukraine’s British embassy releases official statement addressing King Charles III death rumours

King Charles has been seen for the first time since Russian media circulated false claims that the royal had passed away from cancer.

King Charles has been seen leaving Windsor Castle in his Bentley hours after Russian media claimed he had died.

Charles, 75, who is undergoing cancer treatment, looked a little dazed as he was seen in a grey suit gazing from the back of the royal limousine leaving his Berkshire home.

He has told aides he is keen to be seen while travelling by car to remain current while he recuperates.

The monarch was on his way to an audience with veterans of the Korean War to honor its 70th anniversary, at Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III (C), along with Master of The King's Household, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt (L) during an audience with veterans of the Korean War. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

His sighting comes three days after the Princess of Wales was spotted shopping at a farm store with the Prince of Wales near their home in Windsor.

On Monday, the British Embassy in Moscow was forced to issue an official statement confirming the king was alive after Russian media claimed he had died.

Russian news sites and their social media accounts reported that King Charles III had passed away as a result of cancer complications, citing unnamed “media” sources in a litany of posts.

An image of a fake statement purporting to be from “Buckingham Place” reported Charles’ ‘unexpected death’ on social media.

The insensitive move involving the monarch came after Britain and other Western countries criticised Vladimir Putin’s election “victory” in the presidential election.

The British embassy’s Telegram channel denounced the bogus announcement with a notice in Russian to stress the reports were fake.

“Reports about the death of King Charles III of Great Britain are fake,” said the announcement, shortly after the British Embassy in Ukraine followed suit with a similar message.

Early outlets running the fake report were RIA, Sputnik, Readkovka and Mash - staunchly pro-Putin outlets. They all subsequently corrected their stories.

🇬🇧 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

Mash media outlet wrote: “Britain’s King Charles III has died, Buckingham Palace reports. The son of Elizabeth II ascended the throne less than a year ago - the coronation took place on May 6, 2023. He was 75 years old.”

It was revised to say “the message turned out to be fake” while adding: “Let us remember that a few months ago he was diagnosed with cancer.”

The palace later issued a statement to the Russian state-run TASS news agency denying the report. “We are happy to confirm that The King is continuing with official and private business,” it read.

King Charles III (C), during an audience with Veterans of the Korean War (L-R) Alan Guy, Mike Mogridge, Brian Parritt, and Ron Yardley at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images

On Tuesday, King Charles told a delegation of Korean war veterans he hoped they were being “well looked after” in his absence, in a speech delivered by his sister, as he continues cancer treatment.

After Charles briefly greeted four British veterans of the Korean War in the 18th Century Room of Buckingham Palace ahead of a reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the conflict, his sister Princess Anne later delivered a speech on his behalf, saying it was a “personal ambition” of his to invite them to his official London working residence.

Delivering the speech at the reception on the king’s behalf, the Princess Royal said: “You might therefore imagine how particularly disappointed and frustrated I am to not be able to join you all in person... I can only hope that you are being well looked after in my absence and I am most grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for standing in for me.”

Princess Anne, Princess Royal talks with veteran Ron Yardley during a reception for Korean war veterans, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. Picture: Tristan Fewings / AFP

She thanked those who fought with the free peoples of the Republic of Korea to bring democratic liberty.

Princess Anne concluded: “In a world where freedoms are continually being challenged and our values scrutinised, your selfless courage and steadfast pursuit of peace are guiding principles which have not been forgotten and continue to inspire generations to come.

“We salute all those who remain among us, and offer our most heartfelt and undying gratitude for those who have gone before. Your service and your sacrifice will echo through the ages.”

Last month, King Charles III received praise for publicly announcing his cancer diagnosis.

But many health experts faulted him for not declaring the type of cancer, a move that would have encouraged members of the public to get themselves examined.

Buckingham Palace has said there is “no news” to report about King Charles, seen here reading cards and messages sent by wellwishers. Picture: Jonathan Brady/Getty Images

King Charles and Queen Camilla, who has stepped in for her husband for some of his royal duties. Picture: BBC/screen grab

King Charles III and Queen Camilla waves as they leave after attending a service at St Mary Magdalene Church after his cancer diagnosis. Picture: AFP

“If the royals really want to model important values to the nation, they should start by overhauling their approach to media in favour of transparency (and) scrupulous honesty,” Catherine Mayer, author of the book Charles: The Heart of a King, wrote on X.

“They should stand against disinformation, not contribute to it.”