Tragedies That Shook Royal Families Around The World

The Suicide Of A Royal Nurse

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

In 2012 the world was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first child. When Kate was hospitalized for extreme morning sickness, two Austrailian radio DJ’s thought it would be the perfect time for a prank call.

The hosts called King Edward VII’s Hospital in London, impersonating the Prince of Wales and the Queen. The nurse they spoke to, Jacintha Saldanha, fell for the prank and transferred the call to Kate’s nurse. When the prank was broadcast several days later, it was condemned by the hospital. Jacintha was found hanging in her nurses quarters shortly after, a handwritten note blaming the “joke” call for her suicide.