The London Clinic reportedly launched an internal investigation into the possible security breach of Kate Middleton’s medical records.
At least one hospital staff member who treated the Princess of Wales for abdominal condition was accused of attempting to access Middleton’s private medical records without permission, according to Daily Mail. The security scandal is being investigated to discover why Middleton’s medical notes were allegedly not protected and to establish the extent of the alleged breach. “‘This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family,” an insider told Daily Mail.
Catherine, Princess of Wales holds her hat as she arrives at St George’s Chapel to attend the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle on June 19, 2023 in Windsor, England. Photo by Henry Nicholls – WPA Pool/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: In this photo illustration, A selection of front pages from UK daily national newspaper coverage of of King Charles and Catherine, The Princess of Wales being admitted to hospital on January 18, 2024 in London, England. Catherine, The Princess of Wales, was admitted to The London Clinic for abdominal surgery yesterday. The surgery was successful and she will recover in the hospital for the next 10-14 days and is not expected to resume formal engagements until after Easter. (Photo by Ming Yeung/Getty Images)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Abaco on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. Abaco was dramatically hit by Hurricane Dorian, Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles as she arrives to attend the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service” at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8, 2023. The event will be broadcast as part of ‘Royal Carols: Together At Christmas’, a special programme, airing at 7:45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve. (Photo by CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 5: Catherine, Princess of Wales at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace on December 5, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – Pool / Getty Images)
An Information Commissioner’s Office spokesperson confirmed the matter is being looked into.
“We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided,” they told Daily Mail.
“Senior hospital bosses contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention and assured the palace there would be a full investigation,” an insider noted.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge walks through to the State Room with the Master of the Household during a reception Photo by Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to HMP High Down on September 12, 2023 in Sutton, England. The Princess of Wales, Patron of The Forward Trust is visiting HMP High Down to learn about how the charity is supporting those in the criminal justice system to manage and recover from their addictions. Photo by Kin Cheung – Pool/Getty Images
“The whole medical staff have been left utterly shocked and distraught over the allegations and were very hurt that a trusted colleague could have allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics,” they told Daily Mail.
It is believed that Middleton is aware of the alleged security breach, but a spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed the situation is being dealt with.
“This is a matter for the London Clinic,” the spokesperson said.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks with guests during a special reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on March 21, 2022 in Cahal Pech, Belize. Photo by Jane Barlow – Pool/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Catherine, Princess Of Wales is seen during the opening of Evelina London’s new children’s day surgery unit on December 5, 2023 in London, England. The new facility will transform care for children and young people who need surgery by providing everything they need in one place, delivering a family-focused experience which will enable the organisation to treat up to an additional 2,300 children a year. Housed in the state-of-the-art Children’s Day Treatment Centre, the unit has two brand new operating theatres. Families will benefit from a one-day service, with pre-surgery checks, the operation, and recovery all taking place seamlessly in one purposely designed space, on the same day. (Photo by Ian Vogler – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Employees of any healthcare setting are strictly prohibited from accessing the medical records of a patient without obtaining consent from the medical provider’s data controller, and such breaches are deemed to be criminal offenses, according to Daily Mail.
The London Clinic has not yet issued a public statement about the matter, but a source said, “that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information,” according to The Mirror.
It is not clear when the clinic was first made aware of the alleged security issue. (RELATED: Kate Middleton Photo Given ‘Kill Notification’ After Suspected Editing)
This scandal comes in the wake of much speculation about Middleton’s health and medical status after she underwent a surgical procedure and remained out of the public eye during her recovery.