Royal baby prank DJs won't give evidence at inquest

Michael Christian, right, and Mel Greig. Photo / Supplied

Neither of the two radio DJs who made a prank phone call to Kate Middleton's hospital in late 2012 will give evidence at the inquest into the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha.

Westminster Council has confirmed that Australians Mel Greig and Michael Christian won't give evidence at this week's inquest either in person or via video-link.

It is expected that nine witnesses will appear at the Royal Courts of Justice in London but they won't be identified ahead of the inquest.

It's likely the duty nurse who gave the DJs details of the Duchess of Cambridge's medical condition will give evidence anonymously.

Other witnesses could include the colleague and security officer who found Ms Saldanha's body at staff quarters near the hospital.

Former King Edward VII hospital chief executive John Lofthouse may be present alongside the lead police investigator.

The matron in charge at the time could also be called to help examine Ms Saldanha's state of mind after the hoax.

Southern Cross Austereo, which in early 2013 won the right to be represented at the inquest, has submitted evidence.

Westminster Coroner Fiona Wilcox will preside over the inquest which will likely be conducted without a jury.

Dr Wilcox could deliver her verdict immediately or she could take weeks to consider the evidence.

The inquest, which was originally scheduled for May 2013, will finally begin on Thursday. If additional time is required it could extend into Friday.

Ms Saldanha, 46, was found dead in her staff accommodation on December 7, 2012, just days after answering a call inquiring about Prince William's pregnant wife who was suffering acute morning sickness.

The mother-of-two was the first nurse to answer the call by Greig and Christian who pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles.

Ms Saldanha passed them on to a second nurse on the ward who was duped into giving out details of Kate's condition.

Grieg initially intended to give evidence at the inquest.

But in an interview aired in June she revealed the incident had destroyed her confidence and left her feeling "so much blame and so much guilt".

Greig said she was depressed and the Saldanha family remained always on her mind.

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- AAP