Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who committed suicide after taking a hoax call to the hospital treating Prince William’s wife, was given a befitting tribute at the Our Lady of Health Church at Shirva, near here, on Monday.
‘Royal Nurse’ was written on the cover of the coffin. Over 500 villagers, including friends and relatives, paid last respects to Jacintha. The body was flown into Mangalore from the UK on Sunday. As per her wish in the death note, the body was brought to her in-laws’ residence in Swarkalu on Monday afternoon. The shattered family, including husband Benedict Barboza, son Junal (16) and daughter Lisha (14) ruled out any possibility of settling back in India. Benedict and Junal, a footballer and referee, would return to the UK to continue their career and Lisha would continue her studies there.
When asked whether they would initiate any legal action against either the Radio or the hospital, Benedict replied that appropriate decision would be taken at an appropriate time. As the investigation was expected to be completed by March 26, they would speak on the issue only after that. They hoped the investigation by London Metropolis would be complete and fair.
Rev Fr Stanley Pathro and Rev Fr Lawrence D’Souza, a close relative of Jacintha, led the final prayers. Holy Mass and funeral ceremony were conducted under the leadership of Very Rev Fr Gerald Issac Lobo, Vicar General Baptist Menezes and Rev Fr Staney Thavro.