William and Kate have said they are "deeply saddened" by the tragic news that the nurse who took a hoax phonecall from two Australian DJs impersonating the Queen and Prince Charles has died after reportedly commiting suicide.Early on Friday morning Jacintha Saldanha's body was found at an address close to King Edward VII Hospital where she worked and where Kate was being treated for hyperemesis gravidarum.
Jacintha, who was described as a "first-class nurse", reportedly answered the call before passing it on to another member of staff.
An official statement from St James's Palace said "Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital. Their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. "John Lofthouse, the hospital's chief executive, read a statement on behalf of King Edward VII Hospital later on Friday. In his speech Mr Lofthouse said "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nursing staff: Jacintha Saldanha. Jacintha has worked at the hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse, well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."
In response to the news DJ Mel Grieg, who was responsible for the prank, has suspended her Twitter account. The presenter and her co-star Michael Christian had previously apologised for their actions after the call had been aired.
He added "We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the vicitim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her through this very difficult time. "Staff at the hospital are said to be "shocked" by the loss of their colleague, who was a "much-loved" member of the team.