Journalism...Belgian Style

Belgian Television Network Mistakenly Declares Queen Fabiola Dead


Brussels, Belgium (AHN) -- Belgium's Queen Fabiola was mistakenly declared dead last night.

A Belgian television network's website announced that the 80-year-old royal - who is in a hospital with pneumonia - had died. The website quickly withdrew the story, blaming a "publishing error."

A network spokesman said, "This was human error. We are very sorry and our online news team has sent an apology to the royal family."

In response to the article, the Belgian Royal Palace announced that while Queen Fabiola remained in intensive care there had been "slight improvement" in her condition.

The queen - who had surgery to correct a thyroid problem earlier this month - was admitted to St John's hospital in Brussels on Friday, complaining of chest and throat problems. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and is currently in a "serious but stable" condition.

The wife of the late King Baudouin - who died in 1993 after 42 years as sovereign - sparked controversy when she elected to be sedated using hypnosis instead of general anaesthetic during her recent surgery. The royal's surgery went well and she was allowed home three days later, but was back in hospital within a week.

Fabiola - who was a hospital nurse when she met the king in the late 50s - was Belgium's queen consort between 1960 and 1993.