“Philippe of Belgium dead 2024” : king of the Belgians killed by internet death hoax

  • By Jessica Simpson
  • Brussels
  • Last updated on

Philippe of Belgium is the latest celeb to fall victim to a death hoax

News of monarch Philippe of Belgium’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the April 2024 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the king of the Belgians is alive and well.

UPDATE 18/04/2024 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Philippe of Belgium death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the monarch’s alleged demise gained traction on Tuesday after a ‘R.I.P. Philippe of Belgium’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the Belgian monarch’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday (April 16, 2024), our beloved monarch Philippe of Belgium passed away. Philippe of Belgium was born on April 15, 1960 in Laeken. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 64-year-old monarch was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Belgian network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a monarch of Philippe of Belgium's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 68% still think false Philippe of Belgium death rumors are funny.

Philippe of Belgium Death Hoax Dismissed Since Monarch Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Wednesday (April 17) the monarch's reps officially confirmed that Philippe of Belgium is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved monarch. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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