This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Queen Elizabeth Death Rumors Spark Panic on Social Media ¶
On the night of December 1, 2019, rumors claiming that Queen Elizabeth II had died spread rapidly on social media, causing widespread panic. However, these claims were quickly denied by officials.
The rumors were based on a screenshot of a group chat on WhatsApp, which claimed that the 93-year-old monarch had died on Sunday morning. Fake Twitter accounts using the BBC and Sky News logos were also used to spread the false news.
Twitter users took to the platform to share their reactions to the news, with some joking about the queen's death and others expressing their shock and sadness. However, officials were quick to deny the rumors, stating that the queen was alive and well.
Charlie Proctor of Royal Central said, 'I see we have reached that time of year where I have to dispel rumours of HM's passing. The Queen is not dead. She is alive [and] well and is very much looking forward to hosting President Trump and other world leaders at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for the NATO reception.'
The queen is believed to be in generally good health for her age and has rarely needed medical treatment. She was hospitalized in March 2013 for nearly 24 hours to receive treatment for symptoms of gastroenteritis, and in 2003 she underwent a minor operation to remove a torn cartilage from her right knee.
