Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse fooled by a hoax call to the London hospital treating Kate Middleton, was later found hanged, an inquest has heard.
Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in her nurses’ quarters on Friday, three days after the call from Australian radio presenters pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
There were also injuries to her wrist, Westminster Coroner’s Court heard.
The inquest was opened and adjourned until March 26th.
Detective Chief Inspector James Harman told the court: “On Friday 7 December Jacintha Saldanha was found by a colleague and a member of security staff. Sadly she was found hanging.
“There was also injuries to her wrist. The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. At this time there are no suspicious circumstances.”
Two notes were found in Jacintha Saldanha’s room and another among her possessions, the court was also told.
Jacintha Saldanha, 46, transferred the telephone call, made to the King Edward VII’s Hospital on 4 December, to a colleague who then gave a detailed update on the duchess’s condition to the hoaxers.
Kate Middleton, who is in the early stages of pregnancy, was receiving treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme form of morning sickness.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Jacintha Saldanha – a wife and mother-of-two – and offered condolences to her family.
“She clearly loved her job, loved her work and cared deeply about the health of her patients and what has happened is a complete tragedy,” David Cameron said.
“There will be many lessons that need to be learnt.”
Australia’s media watchdog has launched a formal inquiry into the hoax call, focusing on the licence-holder for 2Day FM radio station, Today FM Sydney Pty Ltd.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will consider whether the licensee complied with its license conditions and the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice.
Station owner Southern Cross Austereo has said all profits from advertising for the rest of the year will go into a fund for Jacintha Saldanha’s family.
The two presenters, Michael Christian and Mel Greig, have said they are “gutted and heartbroken” over the death.
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