Jacintha Saldanha funeral: body taken to India for burial

The body of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who apparently killed herself after a hoax phone call about Kate Middleton, is due to arrive in India for burial.

Jacintha Saldanha’s remains are being escorted by her husband and two children from the UK to Mangalore on Sunday.

The nurse was found dead on 7 December near the London hospital where the duchess had been treated for morning sickness.

Days earlier Jacintha Saldanha had answered a hoax call from Australia about Kate Middleton.

Her husband, Benedict Barboza, and their daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16, are flying to southern India to attend the funeral on Monday.

Jacintha Saldanha’s funeral will take place at Our Lady of Health Church in the town of Shirva, Karnataka.

Rev. William Menezes, spokesman for the Diocese of Mangalore, told AFP news agency that the funeral would take place at 16:00 local time (10:30 GMT).

Police said as many as 5,000 people were expected to attend, according to AFP, and security around the village has been tightened.

Jacintha Saldanha’s death has been closely followed in India, especially where she grew up.

A candlelight vigil was held last week and her friends and family have been outspoken in their grief, some even demanding that a separate investigation be held to determine the cause of her death.

The hospital in Mangalore where she studied nursing has said it will create an award in her memory.

Her husband and children attended Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Sunday, where they paid tribute to Jacintha Saldahna.

In a joint tribute the children said: “We are shattered and there’s an unfillable void in our lives.”

“The house is an empty dwelling without your presence,” they added.

Benedict Barboza said: “Nineteen years of togetherness with a strong bond of affection and understanding will be cherished forever in my life. Your loss is a very painful one and nobody can take that place in my life ever again. I love you and miss you forever.”

On Thursday an inquest at Westminster’s Coroner Court heard that Jacintha Saldanha was found hanged. She left three suicide notes.

The hospital has said that senior managers tried to reassure Jacintha Saldanha “on a number of occasions” that no blame was attached to her for putting the hoax call from two Australian DJs through to the duchess’ ward.