The King Edward VII Hospital receptionist who patched two Australian radio DJs through to Kate Middleton's private nurse was found dead today of an apparent suicide.

The unnamed woman was found unconscious near the hospital around 9:30 a.m. local time, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the death was "unexplained" but not being treated as suspicious. A source who spoke with The Daily Mail said it appeared the receptionist took her own life.

Earlier this week, Sydney-based radio personalities Mel Greig and Michael Christian made a crank call to King Edward VII posing as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. The two were able to fool the receptionist into letting them speak with Duchess Catherine's private nurse, who went on to elaborate on the pregnant royal's condition.

The hospital later confirmed that a "foolish prank call" was made and said telephone protocols were being reviewed.

The two DJs also released a statement saying they apologize for the prank. However, they were still using the hashtag #RoyalPrank to promote their show days later.

UPDATE: King Edward VII's Hospital has released a statement identifying the deceased woman as Jacintha Saldanha:

We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time. Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII's Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues.

UPDATE 2: The two radio hosts behind the prank say they have placed themselves on an indefinite hiatus "out of respect."

[photo via Getty]