Royal prank call nurse found dead

LONDON // A nurse involved in a prank phone call seeking information about the Duchess of Cambridge has died, King Edward VII hospital said yesterday.

It said Jacintha Saldanha had been a victim of the call made by two Sydney disc jockeys, who impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.

Ms Saldanha transferred the call to the nurse caring for the duchess.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate said last night they were "deeply saddened" by the news.

"Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at the hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time," said a release from William's office.

The Duchess of Cambridge had been in the hospital for acute morning sickness. The phone call took place early on Tuesday.

Ms Saldanha, found dead yesterday, had worked at the hospital for more than four years.