Mel Greig has issued a very public apology to the family of a British nurse who took her own life after being prank called by the Australian DJ and her on-air partner Michael Christian.

Greig was barred from giving evidence at the London inquest into the 2012 death of Jacintha Saldanha on the grounds her testimony wouldn’t be relevant.

But she persisted and, in a highly unusual move, was allowed to address the court after the coroner had delivered her verdict on Friday.

Greig stood in the well of courtroom 10 at the Royal Courts of Justice and faced Ms Saldanha’s husband and two children.

“First to Jacintha’s family, I am so sorry for your loss,” the DJ said.

“I have wanted to say that to you for so long.”

After her opening remarks Greig broke down in tears and paused to regain her composure.

Ms Saldanha, 46, was found dead in her staff accommodation at King Edward VII hospital on December 7, 2012, just days after answering a call from Greig and Christian who pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles.

The night sister transferred the radio hosts to a ward nurse who gave out details about the Duchess of Cambridge’s morning sickness.

Greig on Friday said she’d always been concerned for the wellbeing of both nurses.

“I wish I’d tried harder to stop the prank call from airing,” she said.

“To fellow announcers and DJs I urge you to speak up if you don’t feel comfortable and to consider the feelings of others when trying to make a joke.

“The joke should always be on us the DJs.”

Greig said what happened had been tragic and hard for all involved.

“I hope that everyone here today has found the answers they so desperately needed and that the Saldanha family can continue their lives in peace without continuing headlines and unanswered questions,” she concluded.

“I sincerely apologise again and wish you all the best for your futures.”

Ms Greig was a surprise attendee on Thursday when the inquest got underway before Westminster Coroner Fiona Wilcox.

The DJ had wanted to testify about Ms Saldanha’s demeanour during the prank call but Dr Wilcox said the nurse’s state of mind then wasn’t relevant.

The key, rather, was how Ms Saldanha reacted after learning she’d been duped.

“Therefore, Ms Greig can’t help,” the coroner said, adding it was also unlikely she could assist regarding four subsequent calls to the hospital by 2DayFM staff seeking consent to broadcast the hoax.

“I’m not satisfied more hearsay evidence would assist the court.”

The coroner noted the DJ felt many people unfairly blamed her for Ms Saldanha’s subsequent death and expressed her sympathy.

On Friday, Dr Wilcox ruled Ms Saldanah took her own life after the prank and her death wasn’t foreseeable.