Hospital confirms crank call to Kate Middleton's ward

LONDON - The British hospital treating the former Kate Middleton admitted it was victimized by a crank call in which information on the Duchess of Cambridge's condition was given to a woman impersonating Queen Elizabeth II.

King Edward VII's hospital acknowledged Wednesday that an Australian radio station made a hoax call to the hospital in the early hours Tuesday.

A woman using the often mimicked voice of the monarch asked after the Duchess' health -- and was told that Kate, who is being treated for morning sickness -- "hasn't had any retching with me and she's been sleeping on and off."

The hospital says the conversation was held with one of the nursing staff. Its telephone protocols are being reviewed.

The Australian 2DayFM placed the recording of the conversation on its website.