Untangling the Drama Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Hoax

Don’t believe everything you read about Queen Elizabeth II.

On Feb. 22, Hollywood Unlocked inspired more than a few rounds of “God Save the Queen” when they claimed the long-reigning monarch had died at the age of 95.

“Sources close to the Royal Palace notified us exclusively that #QueenElizabeth has passed away,” the blog’s Instagram post stated. “She was scheduled to attend the wedding of British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, but was found dead. Story developing.”

A few hours later, the website shared another post standing by its story. This time, however, it was flagged by Instagram as “false information.”

Hours before the report surfaced, however, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the Queen was recovering from COVID-19. “As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold like symptoms she has decided, not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today,” the statement read, “but will continue with light duties.”

So while many royal watchers were convinced that Hollywood Unlocked got it wrong, the website’s founder and CEO stood by the story.