Kate Middleton's Hospital Nurse Found Dead
Posted: 12/7/12 at 11:31am
Posted: 12/7/12 at 11:38am
I've never been a fan of 'pranks'. When you put someone in a position to look like a fool and be made fun of you are, in a way, bullying. I don't get the humor in it.
I hope the radio station which initiated this pointless prank issues an apology for the harm it has caused and takes some accountability for this. Shame on them.
Truly a tragic loss for the nurse's family.
I am sure this news is distressing to the Countess, which is the last thing she needs during this tender time in her pregnancy.
Everything about this is so sad.
Updated On: 12/7/12 at 11:38 AM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 11:52am
Posted: 12/7/12 at 11:52am
Posted: 12/7/12 at 12:07pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 12:13pm

Or maybe, it was DJ Queen Majesty.
Posted: 12/7/12 at 12:31pm
2. There need to be other issues for that nurse to have committed suicide. One mistake, and one that no caused no HARM to any living person (except minor embarrassment), is not going to cause a stable person to take their own life.
Sorry, I really did mean to add: what a shame for the nurse's family, colleagues and all the Royal Family -- what a black cloud to hang over them at what should be a joyous time.
Updated On: 12/7/12 at 12:31 PM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 12:49pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:09pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:10pm
Nurses who are devoted to their work take confidentiality and trust very seriously. It is a central principal of their work.
I obviously can't comment on this individual's circumstances, but, it's not inconceivable to me that the breach of this important aspect of her life's calling would cause a level of distress many of us can't understand.
Suicide is a tragedy. This whole thing is just a senseless loss.
(Edited to add that JG2 and I were posting at the same time, and share the same feelings about this.)
Updated On: 12/7/12 at 01:10 PM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:11pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:16pm
Yes, I'm sure both nurses were reprimanded -- but don't you think we'd here had one or both had been fired -- especially in light of this? (Not to say that couldn't still come out.)
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:18pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:45pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 1:52pm
Supposedly, THIS nurse was sent this call being told (from the hospital operator?) that the queen was indeed on the line. THIS nurse didn't even release info, so I'm not sure what kind of trouble she could even be in.
It is certainly sad, but I don't think you can pin the blame on anyone. When word of the prank reached my ears, I remember thinking that it wasn't funny OR even remotely interesting. With the info I know, there is certainly NO way they should be held responsible. I'm not even sure I agree with them being fired. (I'd be suprised to hear they had never done things like this previously.)
NOTE: Now the article has removed the sentence stating they were fired, and now it just says they won't be on air until further notice.
Hm...
Updated On: 12/7/12 at 01:52 PM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 2:23pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 2:24pm
And I agree, how was this prank even remotely funny?
And don't be surprised if in 50 years or so England has its first QUEEN JACINTHA, as Kate will probably insist naming the baby after the nurse.
Posted: 12/7/12 at 2:25pm
Posted: 12/7/12 at 2:37pm
With everything that has gone on in the UK over the last 18 months regarding media invasions of privacy, it was not just stupid of the radio station to do this, it was editorially and professionally irresponsible. It is not the DJ's who should be sacked but those in charge of the radio station.
And I echo wholeheartedly the emotionally intelligent responses of JG2 and NYadgal.
Updated On: 12/11/12 at 02:37 PM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 2:51pm
I wouldn't blame Kate for spending the rest of her pregnancy in some peaceful, far away, undisclosed location.
Updated On: 12/7/12 at 02:51 PM
Posted: 12/7/12 at 3:00pm
I think that's a pretty big leap to say they knew that.
This is not to say I don't agree NYadgal, I am not a fan of pranks either. I also think actions have unintended consequences which in turn have unintended consequences. They did the prank, there was a possible unintended consequence and because of that, they lost their jobs.
Posted: 12/7/12 at 3:01pm
But the very least these people could have anticipated is some combination of: disturbing an ill, expectant mother; embarrassing the hospital; and jeopardizing the jobs of any hospital employees who were fooled by them.
I would think that those three possibilities were in their minds as they dialed the number, and any one of them should have been enough to make them put the phone down.
I recall a similar response when Tyler Clementi jumped from the GWB after a prank was played on him. "That couldn't have been the cause." Suicide is certainly a complicated issue; but I don't see how anyone can view these events as unrelated.
Posted: 12/7/12 at 3:06pm
What about surprise birthday parties? Should the host and guests be held accountable if the birthday boy drops dead of a heart attack?
This is a tragic turn of events for this woman and her family, but what do you want to do, ban practical jokes?
Posted: 12/7/12 at 3:07pm
I didn't like Crank Yankers or Candid Camera. I like when cats jump on babies heads and guys get hit in the balls by pinata sticks. But I've never liked the practical joke parts of AFV.
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