The
British Embassy in
Ukraine was forced to pour cold water on rumours that had died after they were circulated by
Russian media. Claims that the monarch had passed away from 'cancer complications' were peddled by Russian media outlets after a fake statement appeared online. The statement said: "The King passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon." " of Great
Britain has died at the age of 75, according to media reports," Russian newswire Sputnik reported. "There is no information about this on the website or in the British media." The title, and others, was forced into an embarrassing u-turn just minutes later after the British Embassy in moved to dispel the rumours. "We would like to inform you that the news about the death of King Charles III is fake," the embassy statement read. Sputnik, Readkovka and Mash were among the titles that reported the
fake news then retracted the story. Mash, a pro-Putin title, reported: "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 updated to say 'the message turned out to be fake'. It added: "Let us remember that a few months ago he was diagnosed with
cancer." The outlet later stated: 'The fake news about the death of Charles III quickly spread and was just as quickly debunked. "The King of Great Britain is alive and continues to go about his business. At least that's what Buckingham Palace says." Operation Menai Bridge is the codename for the arrangements that will follow the monarch's death, the . It follows Operation
London Bridge, the plan drawn up in the 1960s that was triggered when passed away in September 2022.