Desperate attempts were made to gain information about pregnant Kate Middleton’s condition by two Australian DJs belonging to Sydney’s 2Day FM, who impersonated the Queen and Prince of Wales as they made a crank call to The King Edward VII hospital in London, and were put through to a nurse on duty, who divulged information on Kate Middleton’s health.

Mel Greig and Michael Christian, the two Australian DJs, seemed excited to have got an update on pregnant Kate’s health. They 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.”

The Australian DJs couldn’t believe their luck when the hospital nurse disclosed information about Kate Middleton’s health, not realising that she was being duped. “She’s sleeping at the moment and she has had an uneventful night. She’s been given some fluids. She’s stable at the moment”, the nurse said.

But the hospital has deplored the publicity-hungry duo which led to their public apology, saying that the DJs and the radio station had “best intentions” while carrying out the stunt.

John Lofthouse, chief executive at King Edward VII’s Hospital, said, “This was a foolish prank call that we all deplore. We take patient confidentiality extremely seriously and we are now reviewing our telephone protocols.”

Under Section 55 of Data Protection Act 1998, knowingly or recklessly obtaining personal information without consent is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to ÂŁ5,000.

Kate Middleton, who is undergoing treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum or severe morning sickness, was visited by her family, sister Pippa Middleton, brother James Middleton yesterday, amidst reports that pregnant Kate was doing better.