When I mention the words 'royal prank' I’ve no doubt you’re now picturing Mel Greig – one half of the radio DJ duo caught up in the firestorm that surrounded the whole fiasco.

There was a time where you couldn’t turn on your TV, open a paper, or scroll social media without some mention of the scandal. But just in case you need a refresher…

In 2012 Mel and her Hot 30 co-host Michael Christian pranked the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was receiving treatment. They were impersonating the Queen and Prince Charles and they fooled the nurses on duty.

A few days later, one of those nurses took her own life.

From that moment, Mel’s life completely unravelled.

Suffering severe depression, she seriously contemplated ending her life. She was unemployable and because of the death threats made against her, she wasn't allowed to leave her house.

But as Mel tells me on one particularly bad day, on her bathroom floor, she chose life.

It's a motto she continues to live by and has got her through a turbulent time since, from discovering her husband's infidelity and their subsequent marriage break down, the destruction of her embryos, her mum passing away from pancreatic cancer, and a stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis rendering her infertile.

Mel gets really candid with me about the last eight years with heartbreaking honesty. This is probably one of the most memorable interviews I’ve done during my time as a journalist. Mel is phenomenal, and a true testament of a woman determined to turn the lemons in her life into lemonade by encouraging others to choose life. And to choose it every single day.

A trigger warning - this episode discusses suicide. 24 hour support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you'd like to connect with Mel on Instagram - check her out @melgreig_
You can find me at my new handle @elizabethanile
If you're enjoying what you're hearing, I'd love for you to hit subscribe, click five stars and perhaps even leave a review, it'll help other people find Lemonade who perhaps really need it.

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Mel Greig \ Life after the royal prank call that changed it all 57:21 Share

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Mel Greig \ Life after the royal prank call that changed it all