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Queen Elizabeth II has been hospitalized as a precaution, while she is assessed for symptoms of gastroenteritis, Buckingham Palace says.
The 86-year-old monarch has been taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London, a palace spokesman said.
All official engagements for this week, including the Queen’s trip to Rome, will be either cancelled or postponed.
Queen Elizabeth was driven to hospital by private car on Sunday, and the palace said she was “in good spirits”.
She had earlier carried out a medal presentation at Windsor Castle, where she has been resting over the weekend.
A spokesman for the Queen said she was in “good health”, besides the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
He said: “This is a precautionary measure.
“She was not taken into hospital immediately after feeling the symptoms. This is simply to enable doctors to better assess her.”
The Queen will remain in hospital under observation for about two days.
Queen Elizabeth was last in hospital 10 years ago for a minor knee operation.
News of the Queen’s illness emerged on Friday night, and she was forced to cancel a trip to Swansea on Saturday to mark St David’s Day in a military ceremony.
Queen Elizabeth II has been hospitalized as a precaution, while she is assessed for symptoms of gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines.
The infection can be transmitted through contact with an infected person or contaminated food and drink. Symptoms can include vomiting, fever and stomach ache.
Commenting on the monarch’s medical condition, Professor Christopher Hawkey, of the University of Nottingham’s faculty of medicine and health sciences, said: “The likely cause with the Queen is the norovirus, the winter vomiting virus.
“Because it is infectious, we try to not admit people to hospital as it can start the outbreaks we hear of.”
“But not everyone can keep up with oral hydration, so it is pretty routine to go to hospital and have a drip and wait for the thing to pass and keep yourself hydrated,” he added.
The Queen had been due to spend two days in Rome with the Duke of Edinburgh next weekend, at the invitation of Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano.
It is not now clear whether the visit will be re-scheduled.
A reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for MPs and MEPs will go ahead with other members of the royal family present.
The Queen may well have gone to hospital slightly unwillingly, as her inclination is not to make a fuss.
During last year’s celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee, the Queen spent a rain-drenched day journeying down the Thames as part of the river pageant – after which her husband, the 91-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, was taken to hospital with a bladder infection.
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Jacintha Saldanha’s children have described at a Mass at Westminster Cathedral the “unfillable void” she has left.
Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found hanged days after answering a hoax call about Kate Middleton in accommodation attached to King Edward VII hospital last week.
Her husband, Benedict, daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16, attended a Mass at Westminster Cathedral.
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.
Catholics can request that a Mass be offered in the name of a dead person.
Memorial services have already been held at the hospital and in Bristol where her husband and children live.
Jacintha Saldanha’s funeral will take place at Our Lady of Health Church in the town of Shirva in Karnataka, India, on Monday.
In a tribute read out at the service, the children described their mother as “kind-hearted, generous and well-respected”.
They said: “You were the core of the family that kept us together. In times of difficulty, you showed us the way forward to happiness and success.
“Your priority for us was a good education and a bright future. You taught us right from wrong which we appreciate. You worked tirelessly to give us everything that we have today.”
Lisha Saldanha read out the following tribute after the service: “We love you Mum, sleep in peace and please watch over us until we meet again in Heaven. We will always love you and keep you close to our hearts.”
Jacintha Saldanha’s funeral will take place at Our Lady of Health Church in the town of Shirva in Karnataka, India, on Monday
Jacintha Saldanha was found dead eight days ago in London.
She had answered a call on 4 December from two Australian DJs pretending to be the Queen and the Prince of Wales wanting to speak to the pregnant duchess who was being treated for acute morning sickness.
Her husband, Benedict Barboza, said in his tribute: “My wife, you were the light in my darkness, who always showed me the way forward. From the day we met, you always stood by me in times of hardship and happiness. I feel a part of me has been ripped out.
“Without your beautiful smile and sparkling personality, the house is an empty place to live. 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.”
Benedict Barboza thanked everybody who had offered support and comfort, including Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and MPs Keith Vaz and Charlotte Leslie.
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 through to the duchess’ ward.
In a letter to MP Keith Vaz, which was released by the hospital on Friday evening, chief executive John Lofthouse explained the protocol in place for dealing with calls to “high-profile” patients.
“Part of our procedure is to take the name and number of the individual and call them back. This is in order to verify that the call is genuine. We also empower our staff to use their judgement.
“On this particular occasion, Jacintha believed that the call was genuine, and she felt it appropriate to put the call through. We stand by her judgement.”
The hospital has insisted that Jacintha Saldanha was not facing disciplinary proceedings – “because she had been the victim of a cruel trick.”
The letter also said she had been offered time off but she said she would prefer to continue working.
“Neither ourselves, her friends or family noticed anything to give cause for concern,” John Lofthouse said.
A memorial service has been held at the King Edward VII hospital for Jacintha Saldanha, who took a hoax call about Kate Middleton’s treatment.
Jacintha Saldanha was found dead last Friday, three days after taking the call from two Australian radio DJs.
A memorial mass also took place in Jacintha Saldanha’s adopted hometown of Bristol.
The hospital has defended its actions after the Guardian reported Jacintha Saldanha had criticized staff in one of her three suicide notes.
A spokeswoman said she had been given support by management.
Chief executive of the hospital, John Lofthouse, said: “King Edward VII’s is a small hospital, with a tight-knit team. Everybody knew Jacintha, and we were all left deeply shocked by her tragic death following the hoax telephone call.
“This service was a chance for everyone here to pay their respects and remember a dear colleague.”
A memorial service has been held at the King Edward VII hospital for Jacintha Saldanha, who took a hoax call about Kate Middleton’s treatment
Jacintha Saldanha, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two, transferred the telephone call on 4 December to a colleague who then gave a detailed update on Kate Middleton’s condition to the hoaxers.
Kate Middleton, who is in the early stages of pregnancy, was receiving treatment at the hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme form of morning sickness.
On Thursday, an inquest at Westminster’s Coroner Court heard that Jacintha Saldanha was found hanged in her nurse’s quarters in central London.
A hospital spokeswoman said she could not comment on the Guardian‘s report on the content of Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide notes as no-one had seen them.
She said: “Following the hoax call, hospital management offered her their support and told her that they considered her to be the victim of a cruel hoax, and that they stood by her actions.”
Labour MP Keith Vaz, who is representing Jacintha Saldanha’s family, has written to the hospital’s chief executive calling for him to release the “full facts” of what happened.
Writing in reply to Keith Vaz, John Lofthouse said: “Jacintha believed that the call was genuine, and she felt it appropriate to put the call through. We stand by her judgment.
“Following the hoax call, Jacintha was reassured on a number of occasions by senior management that no blame was attached to her actions and that there were no disciplinary issues involved, because she had been the victim of a cruel trick.”
In an earlier statement, the hospital said it had met her family earlier in the week and answered all of their questions in full.
“We are continuing to support the family in a number of ways,” it said.
On Saturday, a mass is also due to be held for Jacintha Saldanha at London’s Westminster Cathedral.
The mass will be offered “for the repose of the soul of Jacintha and her grieving family,” a spokesman said.
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Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse found dead following a hoax call to the hospital treating Kate Middleton, criticized senior colleagues over her treatment in one of three suicide notes, it has emerged.
An inquest heard that Jacintha Saldanha, 46, left three emotional suicide notes following the prank call by Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian.
But it has emerged today that in one of the notes she has criticized colleagues at the King Edward VII hospital over her treatment following the controversial call.
It is believed Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide note has left her grieving family furious, with husband Ben Barboza understood to want an inquiry into the hospital.
He is also believed to want an independent investigation into what happened in the days leading up to the death of his wife, for whom student nurses in Bangalore, India, held a candlelit vigil overnight.
The nurses, who were seen walking the streets holding candles and reciting prayers in tribute to the mother of two, demanded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
“It is very unfortunate for a nurse, who was in a peak of her career had to die in a very bad way from the royal prank played by some foolish people,” said one attendee named as Ravi.
“This nurse was traumatized so much that she could not face anybody and committed a suicide. We pray for her soul to rest in peace and her family to come out of the incident.”
A nurse named as Vijaylaxmi said at the march organized by a local politician: “We are here to pray for nurse Jacintha’s family, so my kind request is that proper investigation has to be done and it is a major issue, we cannot leave this issue.”
A vigil in memory of Jacintha Saldanha was organized by a local politician in Bangalore
Speaking to the Daily Mirror about Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide notes, a source close to the family said: “One of the letters, which is the longest, deals with the hospital and is critical in its tone.
“Needless to say, Ben wants a full inquiry into what happened and he wants to make sure the truth comes out. Within the letter, Jacintha calls into question some of the treatment she received at the hospital.”
In another note, Jacintha Saldanha describes how she struggled to come to terms with the prank call by the two Australian DJs. The third and final letter is practical and deals with her funeral plans.
The body of the mother-of-two was discovered in her room in staff quarters last Friday. Two of the notes were found nearby and a third was among her possessions.
Jacintha Saldanha had also sent a number of emails and made telephone calls that police believe might help explain what happened.
During a five-minute hearing at Westminster Coroner’s Court yesterday it was revealed that attempts were made to revive the nurse but they were “to no avail”.
Detective Chief Inspector James Harman said: “Jacintha Saldanha was found by a colleague and a member of security staff. Sadly she was found hanging.
“There were also injuries to her wrist. The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. At this time there are no suspicious circumstances.”
Scotland Yard detectives are examining the notes, as well as interviewing Jacintha Saldanha’s friends, family and colleagues at London’s King Edward VII hospital.
Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who apparently took her own life following the royal hoax call scandal, was found hanged in her staff housing, it has been claimed.
Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, 46, left a note for her family, it was revealed yesterday.
Jacintha Saldanha had not told her husband or children that she was involved in the incident, meaning the letter may provide their only clue to what prompted the respected nurse to take such a drastic and tragic step.
A post-mortem examination was held yesterday on the body of Jacintha Saldanha, who was the first unwitting member of staff at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, where Kate Middleton was being treated for acute morning sickness, to take the call made by two Australian DJs pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who apparently took her own life following the royal hoax call scandal, was found hanged in her staff housing
She passed them on to a second nurse on Kate Middleton’s ward, who was then duped into giving out details of her medical condition
The results of the post-mortem examination are not yet known, and an inquest is due to be opened and adjourned tomorrow.
Family spokesman, Labour MP Keith Vaz, said yesterday Jacintha Saldanha’s family were demanding answers from the hospital about the circumstances that led to her death.
Benedict Barboza, the grieving husband of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who died in a suspected suicide near King Edward VII Hospital, has tonight told of his devastation at her death.
Benedict Barboza, a 49-year-old hospital accountant, also known as Ben, posted a tribute to Jacintha Saldanha on his Facebook page.
Jacintha Saldanha, a 46-year-old mother of two, had been manning the hospital switchboard when the Australian hoaxers called and she transferred the call to Kate Middleton’s ward.
The boss of 2Day FM radio station at the centre of the royal hoax call today refused to sack the DJs behind the stunt and painted them as victims.
Benedict Barboza, the grieving husband of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who died in a suspected suicide near King Edward VII Hospital, has tonight told of his devastation at her death
Rhys Holleran, the chief executive of Southern Cross Austereo, which owns the station, said the presenters were “completely shattered” and had been offered counseling.
2DayFM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian were taken off air after it emerged nurse Jacintha Saldanha who took their prank call at Kate Middleton’s hospital had died in a suspected suicide.
The family of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse found dead in a suspected suicide just two days after transferring a hoax call about Kate Middleton, told of their devastation at losing her.
Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, who was working on the switchboard at the King Edward VII Hospital when 2DayFM obtained intimate details about Kate Middleton, was found dead this morning.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke of their “deep sadness” at the tragedy, the grieving family of the “excellent” nurse said: “We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha.”
Tonight the owners of 2DayFM radio station which employed Mel Greig and Christian Michael announced that the duo will not return to their show until further notice.
It is believed that senior management at 2Day FM were so shocked at the death of Jacintha Saldanha that bosses have ordered the pair off the air – probably never to return.
The family of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse found dead in a suspected suicide just two days after transferring a hoax call about Kate Middleton, told of their devastation at losing her
A statement from the station owners said: “Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of the nurse, Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward V11 Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, and all that have been affected by this situation around the world.
“CEO Rhys Holleran has spoken with the presenters, they are both deeply shocked, and at this time we have agreed that they not comment about the circumstances.
“SCA and the hosts have decided that they will not return to their radio show, until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy.”
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Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who transferred a prank phone call from two Australian radio presenters about Kate Middleton, has died in a suspected suicide – two days after being duped.
Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, who was working on the switchboard when 2DayFM obtained intimate details about Kate Middleton, was found dead near the King Edward VII Hospital today.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and a Palace spokesman said the couple had not made a complaint about the prank call.
“Their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time,” a statement said.
When asked if they had expressed concern, the spokesman added: “On the contrary we offered our full and heartfelt support to the nurses involved and hospital staff at all times.”
The Palace declined to say whether the Duchess met Jacintha Saldanha but it was very possible.
The King Edward VII Hospital, which was not believed to be disciplining the nurse over incident, said it announced her death with “very deep sadness”.
Their statement added: “Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well respected and popular with all over her colleagues.”
Jacintha Saldanha answered the hoax call at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and transferred the call through to Kate Middleton’s ward.
Another nurse then told the giggling DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who were pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles, how the Duchess was about to “get freshened up”.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are deeply saddened by Jacintha Saldanha’s death and the couple had not made a complaint about the prank call
The station apologized for “any inconvenience caused” but provoked widespread fury and disbelief by continuing to continuing to promote its hoax, calling it “the prank call the world is talking about” before playing clips of the recording.
As the backlash grew Mel Greig and Michel Christian both deleted their Twitter accounts.
The emergency services were called and two ambulances were dispatched to the central London residence today.
But paramedics were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family, husband and two children have been informed.
The hospital said this afternoon: “It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha.
“Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII’s Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues.
“We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time.”
John Lofthouse, Chief Executive at King Edward VII’s Hospital, added: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague.”
Lord Glenarthur, Chairman of King Edward VII’s Hospital, says: “This is a tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.”
Officers from Scotland Yard launched an investigation yesterday and are treating the death as “unexplained”.
The exact cause of death remained unclear. However, one source indicated that the woman appeared to have killed herself.
A former neighbor of tragic nurse Jacintha Saldanha yesterday described her as a “nice, lovely lady”.
The neighbor lived next door to Jacintha Saldanha, her two sons and partner Benedict Barboza – know as Ben – at an address in Bristol several years ago.
Even today Michael Christian was urging people to tune in to their show to hear more about #royalprank.
Prince Charles today said he was “thrilled” at Kate Middleton’s pregnancy, after the beaming Duchess of Cambridge left hospital following four days of treatment for acute morning sickness.
The Prince of Wales expressed his delight at the “marvelous” news and added: “It’s a very nice thought to become a grandfather in my old age. I’m very glad my daughter-in-law is getting better, thank goodness.”
Prince Charles also alluded to a prank call to the hospital by two Australian DJs on Tuesday morning that duped a nurse into revealing details about Kate Middleton’s health, joking to reporters: “How do you know I’m not a radio station?”
Kate Middleton, 30, was discharged from the King Edward VII Hospital in central London – where she smiled and told reporters she was “feeling much better” – and headed to Kensington Palace to rest.
Prince Charles said he was thrilled at Kate Middleton’s pregnancy
Kate Middleton, who is less than 12 weeks pregnant, was wrapped up against the cold in a coat and scarf, and the royal couple will now spend time at their London home to allow for her to recuperate.
She was admitted on Monday after developing the condition of hyperemesis gravidarum, and was suffering from the effects of dehydration.
For medical staff to allow Kate Middleton to go home, her severe vomiting must be under control and they are likely to have given her anti-sickness medication.
Pregnant Kate Middleton smiled this morning as she left hospital after four days of treatment for severe morning sickness.
The Duchess of Cambridge told reporters outside King Edward VII Hospital in London: “I’m feeling much better, thank you!”
Kate Middleton, 30, was discharged from the King Edward VII Hospital following three nights under observation and will now head to Kensington Palace for a period of rest, St James’s Palace said.
She emerged from the private hospital looking relaxed, carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers and giving a brief smile to the waiting press before being driven away with her husband Prince William.
Kate Middleton, who is less than 12 weeks pregnant, was wrapped up against the cold in a coat and scarf, and the royal couple will now spend time at their London home to allow for the Duchess to recuperate.
She was admitted on Monday after developing the condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, and was suffering from the effects of dehydration.
For medical staff to allow Kate Middleton to go home, her severe vomiting must be under control and they are likely to have given her anti-sickness medication.
Kate Middleton emerged from the King Edward VII Hospital looking relaxed, carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers and giving a brief smile to the waiting press with Prince William
A St James’s Palace spokesman said: “The Duchess of Cambridge has been discharged from the King Edward VII Hospital and will now head to Kensington Palace for a period of rest.
“Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank the staff at the hospital for the care and treatment the Duchess has received.”
Kate Middleton looked immaculate today, wearing a navy coat and knee high low-heeled black suede boots.
Prince William, 30, had arrived at the hospital a few minutes earlier in a green Land Rover, dressed in a light blue jumper, checked shirt, dark jeans and suede shoes.
Yesterday Kate was also visited by her sister, Pippa Middleton, and brother James, at 3:45 p.m. They were followed by Carole Middleton who arrived at the hospital to see her elder daughter at 7:30 p.m.
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King Edward VII hospital, which is treating Kate Middleton, has released private details about her condition to two prank callers from Australian radio station 2Day FM.
The King Edward VII Hospital in central London has launched an investigation into the extraordinary stunt by Mel Greig and Michael Christian – and St James’s Palace is understood to be furious at what happened.
Mel Greig and Michael Christian pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles to obtain intimate medical information about pregnant Kate Middleton, who is suffering from acute morning sickness.
The transcript in full:
Receptionist: Hello, good morning, King Edward VII Hospital
Female presenter (Mel Greig, impersonating the Queen): Oh, hello there. Could I please speak to Kate please, my granddaughter?
Receptionist: Oh yes, just hold on ma’am
Male presenter (Michael Christian, impersonating Prince Charles): Are they putting us through?
Greig: Yes
Christian: If this has worked it is the easiest prank call we have ever made. Your accent sucked by the way, I just want you to know
[Both laughing]
Greig: I’m not used to playing old an 80-year-old
[Phone picked up]
Greig: Kate, my darling. Are you there?
Nurse: Good morning ma’am, this is the nurse speaking, how may I help you?
Greig: I’m just after my granddaughter Kate. I want to see how her little tummy bug is going?
Nurse: She’s sleeping at the moment and she has had an uneventful night. And sleep is good for her. She’s been given some fluids [part removed due to patient confidentiality]. She’s stable at the moment.
[Part removed due to patient confidentiality]
Mel Greig and Michael Christian pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles to obtain intimate medical information about pregnant Kate Middleton
Greig: I’ll just feed my little corgis then. When is a good time to come and visit her, because I’m the Queen and I need a lift down there?
[In background: Mummy, mummy]
Charles! When can you take me to the hospital, Charles?
Christian: When will it be alright to come down and see her? Maybe in the morning or something if that’s OK?
Nurse: I would suggest that any time after nine o’clock would be suitable because the doctor will be in the morning and will just be getting her freshened up. I would think any time after nine.
Christian: Is Wills still there or has he gone home? I haven’t spoken to him yet.
Nurse: He went home probably at about nine o’clock last night, to be fair.
Christian: Lovely, but are they all ok? Everything is alright?
Nurse: [Removed due to confidentiality]
Christian: Of course, it’s hardly the palace is it?
Greig: It’s nothing like the palace, is it Charles? When are you going to walk those bloody corgis?
Christian: Mummy, I’ll go and take the dogs outside.
Greig: I need to go visit Kate in the morning. My dear, thank you so much!
Nurse: You are very welcome
Greig: Goodbye!
Nurse: Goodbye!
[Both presenters burst into laughter]
Greig: She was giving real information.
Christian: Mummy I think they just believed everything we just said.
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A hoax call from Australian radio station 2Day FM presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles, has been made to King Edward VII hospital where Kate Middleton is being treated for morning sickness.
King Edward VII hospital in London said a nurse had discussed the Duchess of Cambridge’s condition with an Australian radio station and deplored the “foolish prank”.
Hospital’s chief executive said confidentiality was taken seriously and telephone protocols are under review.
Two radio presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, last night tricked staff at the Duchess of Cambridge’s hospital into giving a full update on her condition.
In an extraordinary stunt that provoked fury, the Australian 2Day FM presenters impersonated the Queen and Prince Charles and found themselves talking to pregnant Kate’s private nurse.
A nurse tells Mel Greig and Michael Christian that the Duchess is about to be “freshened up”, saying: “She’s sleeping at the moment and she has had an uneventful night.
“She’s been given some fluids, she’s stable at the moment.”
Australian 2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian impersonated the Queen and Prince Charles and found themselves talking to pregnant Kate Middleton’s private nurse
King Edward VII Hospital in central London today verified that the call was genuine but criticized it as “a foolish prank call that we all deplore”. The stunt triggered global outrage.
The presenters started the show by claiming they have the phone number of the King Edward VII Hospital and call it, claiming they want to “speak to Kate”.
It came as Prince William left his wife’s beside last night after a six-hour vigil and for the first time in more than 24 hours finally felt able to offer a smile.
Kate Middleton was said to be feeling better, but will continue to receive treatment for the next few days.
The Duchess has been on a drip in hospital after being admitted on Monday with an acute – and potentially dangerous – form of morning sickness.
St James’s Palace said yesterday: “The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to feel better. She and the duke are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received.
“She will remain in hospital at present and will continue to be treated for hyperemesis gravidarum.”
In spite of William’s obvious concern, the couple may be forced to spend the first months of Kate’s pregnancy apart if her medical condition does not improve.
The condition that the duchess, who is believed to be only eight weeks pregnant, has been diagnosed with can last for the first five months of pregnancy – sometimes even for the entire duration.
It may require regular hospital treatment because it can lead to severe dehydration, putting mother and baby at risk.
A spokesman for Prince William and Kate Middleton said he would be making no comment on the prank.
Kate Middleton was on a drip at King Edward VII Hospital in central London this evening after falling ill with acute morning sickness as she is pregnant with the royal couple’s first child.
Prince William drove Kate, 30, to hospital today and spent hours at her bedside. He left tonight looking tense but sources said the duchess had been admitted as a precautionary measure. She is expected to be kept in for several days.
Sources said the royal couple are “incredibly happy but nervous” after being rushed into announcing the happy news because of Kate’s illness.
In a statement on their website, the couple said they are “delighted with the news”.
Members of the Royal Family – including the Queen – were only told about the pregnancy this afternoon after the decision was made to take Kate to hospital.
However, the Middletons were already aware their eldest daughter was expecting because she was taken ill while staying at their family home in Berkshire this weekend.
“The pregnancy is in its very early stages – the couple only found out very recently that they were expecting. But because she has been admitted to hospital and will have to stay in for a few days, they made the difficult decision to make things public,” said one.
Kate Middleton was on a drip at King Edward VII Hospital in central London this evening after falling ill with acute morning sickness
It is understood that the Duchess began to feel ill at her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, where the couple were spending the weekend. She was unable to keep any food or water down.
Concerned Prince William finally took the decision, after consulting his doctor, to get her to hospital this afternoon. William left his wife’s bedside at about 8:15 p.m. after ensuring she was comfortable.
William drove his wife into London from Berkshire with their personal protection officers, declining the offer of an ambulance in favor of using their own, more low-key car.
Sources suggested that the Duchess was hooked up to an intravenous drip to increase her fluid and nutrient levels.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare condition believed to affect up to two per cent of women in pregnancy and is a severe form of morning sickness.
It tends to be more common in young mothers, women who are in their first pregnancy, and those with multiple pregnancies.
Prince Philip has left London’s King Edward VII hospital after a five-night stay receiving treatment for a bladder infection.
He was admitted to London’s King Edward VII hospital on Monday, a day after attending the rain-drenched Jubilee river pageant with the Queen.
On Friday, the Duke of Edinburgh was visited by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the latest in a series of visits from his family.
Prince Philip will celebrate his 91st birthday on Sunday.
Prince Philip has left London's King Edward VII hospital after a five-night stay receiving treatment for a bladder infection
Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace said the duke’s condition had “improved considerably” and that he was being treated with antibiotics and was in “good spirits”.
Clarence House said Prince William and Prince Harry paid a “short private visit” to see their grandfather on Friday.
They made no comment to reporters outside as they left after 20 minutes.
Prince William visited the duke while on leave from his RAF search and rescue duties.
On Thursday, it was announced that he had qualified as a Royal Air Force search and rescue captain, after passing his tests on 29 May.
Meanwhile, his brother Prince Harry – a captain in the Army – has spent this week on pre-deployment training at RAF Wattisham in Suffolk.
The Queen and the Duke of York visited Prince Philip on Wednesday. Prince Andrew said that his father was “mending very well”.
Prince Philip had appeared to be in good health when he accompanied the Queen on Sunday on the royal barge the Spirit of Chartwell, which formed part of the Jubilee river pageant.
His admission to hospital meant that he could not join the Queen at the final Diamond Jubilee events to mark her 60 years on the throne.
Prince Philip is not due to attend his next scheduled engagement until Tuesday, when the Queen hosts a garden party at the Sandringham Estate as part of Jubilee celebrations.
