King Edward VII Private Hospital in London
Ki Price/ZUMA
"It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha," John Lofthouse, the chief executive of King Edward VII Hospital in London, said in a statement. "She was an excellent nurse and well respected and popular with all of her colleagues. We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital."
On Tuesday, two radio disc jockeys – Mel Greig and Michael Christian from Australia's 2DayFM – called the hospital impersonating Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and inquired about Kate.
The hospital said Wednesday that it deeply regretted the call had been put through to one of the nurses who was caring for the Duchess.
The nurse was found dead on Thursday of a suspected suicide, according to The Times of London.
"The hospital had been supporting her through this very difficult time," the hospital statement said. "Jacintha was a first-class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. Everyone is shocked by the loss of the much-loved and valued colleague. Out thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and friends."
On Friday, a St. James's Palace spokesman released a statement: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."
The radio station, which broadcast the call on the air, said Wednesday that the prank "was done with lighthearted intentions."
Kate was released from the hospital on Thursday.
Mel Greig and Michael Christian from Australia's 2DayFM
Southern Cross Austereo / EPA / Landov
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