The web has lit up over a rumour claiming that Queen Elizabeth II had died, despite a parliamentary official saying there was no truth to the report.
Celebrity news outlet Hollywood Unlocked published the report overnight that the monarch had died.
The Queen is not dead but currently recovering from COVID-19.
At the time of publishing of this article, the false story had still not been taken down from the Hollywood Unlocked site.
“Sources close to the Royal kingdom notified us exclusively that #QueenElizabeth has passed away,” Hollywood Unlocked said.
“She was scheduled to attend the wedding of British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, but was found dead. Story developing.”
Of course the report went viral despite there being no announcement from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House or any other credible source. Not even The Sun, which is really saying something.
It’s understood that when tragic events occur within the Royal family, the news first goes out on a newsflash to the UK Press Association news agency before being announced to the rest of the world.
Dayo Okewale, a chief of staff in the House of Lords, said the report about the queen’s death was “false.”
Hollywood unlocked posting the Queen is dead???? There is no credible source that verifies this. #False
— Dayo Okewale (@DayoOkewale) February 22, 2022
The palace has confirmed that while the queen has COVID-19, she is doing well: “As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties.”