Kate shock as hoaxed nurse kills herself
PRINCE William and Kate were “shocked and saddened” last night after the hospital nurse fooled by a hoaxer posing as the Queen committed suicide.
Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found dead two days after the stunt by an Aussie DJ.
Tributes were paid last night to tragic mum-of-two Jacintha, who apparently killed herself after she became tormented by her mistake in putting the call through to pregnant Kate’s ward.
The two Australian radio DJs who rang posing as the Queen and Prince Charles while Kate was being treated for severe morning sickness were taken off the air amid calls for their sacking.
King Edward VII private hospital in central London, where Jacintha worked for more than four years, said she “was an excellent nurse and a well-respected and popular member of staff”.
Hospital chief executive John Lofthouse said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much-loved and valued colleague.”
Lord Glenarthur, hospital chairman, said: “This is a tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “It is deeply saddening that a simple human error due to a cruel hoax could lead to the death of a dedicated and caring member of the nursing profession.”
Jacintha was found yesterday morning in living quarters next to the private hospital.
She was said to have been “inconsolable and distraught” after being duped by 2Day FM hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian into believing she was speaking to the Queen, asking after Kate’s condition.
Her devastated family said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha.” A hospital spokeswoman added: “We can confirm Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call. The hospital had been supporting her.”
A spokesman for Prince William and Kate, both 30, said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII hospital.
“Their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
A spokesman for the radio station said last night: “Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and all affected by this situation around the world.
“The presenters are both deeply shocked and at this time we have agreed that they will not comment about the circumstances. They will not return to their radio show until further notice, out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy.” The hoaxers’ audio clip was still on the station’s website for hours after Jacintha’s death.
William and Kate, already angry over the intrusion at the hospital, were told of Jacintha’s death yesterday afternoon.
Royal aides refused to say whether the couple had met Indian-born Jacintha.
Source:The Sun
Compiled by:M.W