'I'm truly sorry': Royal hoax DJ apologises to family of suicide nurse who took call

A DJ who made a hoax call to a hospital caring for the Duchess of Cambridge broke down in tears as she apologised to the family of a nurse who committed suicide after it was broadcast. Australian Melanie Greig (pictured above) posed as the Queen during the call in which private medical information about the pregnant Kate, who was suffering from severe morning sickness, was disclosed in December 2012. Jacintha Saldanha, 46, who took the call, hanged herself three days later as the call made headlines around the world.

This tragedy will always stay with me and serve as a constant reminder. To the second nurse involved, I am so deeply sorry for what you have had to endure. I pray you have found the strength to live on as best you can. I was always concerned about the wellbeing of both nurses and I wish I’d tried harder to stop that prank from being aired.

Australian DJ Mel Greig, apologizing to Mrs Saldanha’s family at the inquest

Addressing the mother-of-two’s family after an inquest today ruled her death was a suicide, Ms Greig sobbed as she told them and the packed courtroom: “I really just wanted to say I am truly sorry, I’ve wanted to say that for so long.” She went on to urge hospitals and the media to learn from the incident and make sure it was not repeated. Indian-born Mrs Saldanha was found dead in nursing accommodation on December 7 2012, after Greig and fellow shock-jock Michael Christian broadcast the call on Sydney’s 2Day FM on December 4. Saldanha’s only role was to answer the phone to the DJs and, believing the call was from the Queen, put them through to a nurse who revealed details of Kate’s condition.

To fellow announcers and DJs, I urge you to speak up if you don’t feel comfortable and consider the feeling of others when trying to make a joke. The joke should always be on us, the DJs.

Mel Greig

Europe Jacintha