Kate Middleton's hospital nurse found dead in suspected suicide

A nurse from King Edward VII hospital - the same one who was tricked by a prank phone call regarding the Duchess of Cambridge during her stay this week - was found dead this morning

Kate Middleton leaving hospital
Kate Middleton leaving hospital
(Image credit: REX)

A nurse from King Edward VII hospital - the same one who was tricked by a prank phone call regarding the Duchess of Cambridge during her stay this week - was found dead this morning

A nurse from King Edward VII hospital - the same one who was tricked by a prank phone call regarding Kate Middleton during her stay this week - was found dead this morning.

CONFIDENTIAL DETAILS ABOUT KATE MIDDLETON TREATMENT REVEALED DUE TO HOAX PHONE CALL

According to reports, nurse Jacintha Saldanha's unconscious body was found yards away from the hospital where she worked, at an address on Weymouth Street, just before 9:30am this morning, and she was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics' efforts to revive her failed.

Police are treating the death as 'unexplained,' and while the cause of death remains unclear, one potential source suggested it could have been a suicide.

Saldhana was a nurse at the King Edward VII hospital where Kate Middleton was treated earlier this week for acute morning sickness.

Two days ago, while helping out on reception, the unsuspecting nurse was duped by two Australian DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, from 2Day FM, who pretended to impersonate the Queen and Prince Charles to obtain personal information on the Duchess of Cambridge's sojourn in hospital.

Sadhana is thought to have then transferred the hoax call - which came through around 5:30am - to another member of the nursing staff, who unwittingly gave away private information about the Duchess's stay at the hospital, including the best time to pay a visit to Kate.

The King Edward VII Hospital issued the following statement:

'It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha.

'Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII’s Hospital for more than four years. 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. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time.'

Dr. Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: 'This is tragic news, and the thoughts of all at the Royal College of Nursing go to the family of Jacintha Saldanha.

'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.'

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a statement saying they are 'deeply saddened' by the tragedy and added: 'Their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.'

Saldhana leaves behind two children and her husband.

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