An Australian radio DJ who played a practical joke on Kate Middleton while pregnant has spoken out, admitting that she has struggled with “suicidal thoughts” ever since.
Kate was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London in December 2012, when pregnant with Prince George. Mel Greig, who worked at Sydney’s 2Day FM then, and co-host Mike Christian dialled the hospital.
They were “immediately transferred to the Duchess of Cambridge’s (of Cambridge’s) private nurse,” much to the hosts’ surprise. During the call, the two purported to be the Queen and Prince Charles, duping nurse Jacintha Saldanha into forwarding their call to a colleague, who then revealed vital information regarding Kate’s condition.
The lighthearted call to the radio show went viral, but Saldanha committed suicide a few days later, blaming the Australian DJs in her suicide note.
A coroner’s inquiry into the nurse’s death two years later concluded in 2014 that the stress induced by the practical joke and problems she was having at work with a coworker could only be partially related to her suicide.
“Please accept my condolences on your loss. “I’ve been meaning to tell you that for quite some time,” Greig spoke with Saldanha’s family at the coroner’s inquest.
Greig has gone out ten years later about the “unbearable” regret she felt in the aftermath of the 46-year-old death.
“A family had lost their wife and mother; she told Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service.
“I was warned by online trolls that if I didn’t dedicate myself every day, I wouldn’t be able to find work.” Charities wouldn’t even let me pack envelopes behind closed doors. “I was drained and broken,” Greig continued.
The ex-host said that her fame as the “Royal Prank DJ” is the reason to lose friends and identity leaving her haunted by “suicidal thoughts.”
