Aussie Radio: 2DayFM Pledges Cash Over Royal Hoax Call

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha

The Australian radio company behind a hoax royal phone call has donated a six-figure sum to the family of tragic nurse Jacintha Saldanha, according to The Independent.

Southern Cross Austereo made the donation of 500,000 Australian dollars to a trust fund for the benefit of Ms Saldanha's family following an inquest in London last wekk which recorded a suicide verdict after the nurse - who initially answered the fake call - was found hanging three days after the prank was broadcast.

DJ Melanie Greig, who posed as the Queen while the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated at the King Edward VII's Hospital in London for morning sickness, broke down in tears as she apologized to the family at the hearing for her part in the ruse, in December 2012.

A statement said: "We do not assume, of course, that this donation or any amount of money could relieve the feelings of loss felt by Ms Saldanha's family, but it is our hope that it may help them in the future.

Melanie Grieg, Michael Christian

"Southern Cross Austereo has always accepted full responsibility for the making of the call and its broadcast."

Addressing the 46-year-old mother-of-two's family after the inquest, Ms Greig sobbed as she told them and the packed courtroom: "I really just wanted to say I am truly sorry, I've wanted to say that for so long.

Indian-born Mrs Saldanha was found dead in nursing accommodation on December 7 2012, after Greig and fellow shock-jock Michael Christian broadcast the call on Sydney's 2Day FM on December 4.

Ms Saldanha's only role was to answer the phone to the DJs and, believing the call was from the Queen, put them through to a nurse who revealed details of Kate's condition.

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