‘Breach of trust and ethics’: London Clinic staff member tries to access Kate Middleton’s medical records
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: It seems the controversies over the Princess of Wales refuse to die. A huge scandal has reportedly taken place at a renowned UK hospital that involves Kate Middleton.
One of the London Clinic staff members, where the Princess of Wales’ abdominal surgery happened in January, allegedly tried to get hold of her medical data, Daily Mail reported.
Alleged breach leaves London Clinic staff ‘shocked’
An internal probe has been initiated by the hospital in Marylebone. A source revealed, “This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the royal family.”
They stated, “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.”
“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,” the source added.
Besides, a spokesperson for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) noted, “We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.”
It is a criminal offence for any staff in an NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the organization’s data controller.
Kensington Palace does not share any update
It has been said that Kate knows about the alleged breach but a Kensington Palace spokesperson stated, “This is a matter for the London Clinic.”
The London Clinic, however, has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged incident but told The Mirror, “We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information.”
This came as speculations and rumors about Kate’s well-being have been getting wild with each passing day. The mother-of-three’s last official sighting was in December 2023 during Christmas.
Kate Middleton expected to be back to public duties after Easter
Following that, she reportedly underwent an abdominal operation and a statement issued by the Palace said, “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.”
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” it mentioned.
The statement added, “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”