Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide that some readers may find distressing.
The husband of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who died by suicide after being caught in an Australian radio prank targeting Kate Middleton, once said he could “not forgive” those responsible.
Saldanha, 46, worked as a night sister at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London. In December 2012, she was deceived into putting through a call from DJs Michael Christian and Melanie Greig, who pretended to be Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles. The prank call led a colleague to share private details about the then-Duchess of Cambridge, who had been admitted with severe morning sickness while pregnant with Prince George.
The Hoax Call and Its Aftermath
The DJs were reportedly encouraged by producers at Sydney’s 2Day FM to carry out the stunt, which was later broadcast despite major ethical concerns. The station allegedly told regulators they did not believe Saldanha’s voice could be recognized.
Tragically, two days after the call went to air, Saldanha was found dead in her staff accommodation. Reports stated she left three handwritten notes, one of which directly blamed the royal hoax for her decision to end her life.
A Family Devastated
Following the coroner’s ruling that her death was suicide, her husband Ben Barboza spoke of his pain and anger.
