Royal Watch News

Duchess Catherine's condition revealed to prank caller

Dec 5, 2012, 17:02 GMT

Duchess Catherine

Details of pregnant Duchess Catherine's condition were given out to prank callers pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.

The 30-year-old royal - who is expecting her first child with her husband Prince William - is currently being treated in London's King Edward VII Hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum [acute morning sickness] and information about her treatment was given out by a nurse to a pair of Australian radio DJs who later aired the conversation.

Mel Greig and Michael Christian from Sydney station 2DayFM contacted the hospital posing as the British monarch and William's father and managed to fool the staff member into believing they were really members of the royal family.

In the broadcast of the call, the pair can be heard referring to the duchess - who is also known by her maiden name Kate Middleton - as their 'granddaughter' and a third person can even be heard in the background barking like a dog as the duo make comments about 'feeding and walking' the queen's corgis.

The radio stunt has been blasted as 'foolish and deplorable' by the King Edward VII Hospital who are now reviewing their telephone protocols.

Mel and Michael - who host The Summer 30 week night show - have now apologised for the stunt, but admitted they couldn't believe they were put through to Catherine's ward by the receptionist.

The pair said: 'We were very surprised that our call was put through. We thought we'd be hung up on as soon as they heard our terrible accents.

'We're very sorry if we've caused any issues and we're glad to hear that Kate is doing well.'

A spokeswoman for the station - which played the prank call to lawyers before airing it - added: '2Day FM sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by the inquiries to Kate's hospital. The radio segment was done with light-hearted intentions. We wish Kate and her family all the best and we're glad to hear she's doing well.'

William and Catherine announced their happy news on Monday (03.12.12) after she had to receive medical treatment for her condition.