Kate Middleton 'deeply saddened' by death of hoax call nurse Jacintha Saldanha

Kate Middleton and Prince William are 'deeply saddened' by the death of Jacintha Saldanha, St James's Palace said today.

The statement read: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are "deeply saddened to learn of the death of 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."

Kate had emerged from the hospital smiling yesterday saying she was feeling "much better" after three days of treatment for a severe form of morning sickness.

The Duchess was admitted on Monday after developing a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which leaves expectant mothers so ill they cannot keep food or liquids down.

But she had looked well and even smiled briefly as she posed with the Duke on the steps of the King Edward VII hospital for the world's media yesterday.

Jacintha was found at an address near the King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning.

The nurse was working at the hospital when she received a hoax call by two Australian radio DJs who impersonated the Queen and the Prince of Wales to dupe her into giving a condition update on Kate, who was suffering severe morning sickness at the private hospital.