According to a statement from St James's Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are saddened to hear about the death of Indian-born nurse, Jacintha Saldanha.

"Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Mel Greig and Michael Christian from Sydney station 2Day FM, who made the prank call to the London's King Edward VII Hospital treating Prince William's wife Kate posing as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, said they are heartbroken to hear about her death. Michael Christian said that it was supposed to be just a simple prank.

There was no receptionist on duty and thus and she put them through to a colleague, who gave out details of Kate's recovery from severe morning sickness. Subsequently, Saldanha was found dead after a suicide. The police officials have not confirmed whether it was suicide pending an inquest.

British-born Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has also expressed grief and said that the death as 'a terrible tragedy' and sent her condolences to the family of Jacintha.