The London Clinic, a world-renowned hospital known for discreetly treating members of the royal family, former presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities, has launched an investigation into claims that staff attempted to access the private medical records of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. The alleged security breach occurred while the 42-year-old princess was a patient at the hospital in January, undergoing an abdominal surgery.
According to sources, at least one member of the hospital staff was caught trying to access Middleton's confidential medical notes, sending shockwaves through the institution, which prides itself on its unblemished reputation, as reported by the Mirror.
An insider revealed, via Daily Mail, "This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family. 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 allegations have left the hospital's medical staff "utterly shocked and distraught," with many feeling hurt that a trusted colleague could have been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics. Accessing a patient's medical records without the consent of the organization's data controller is a criminal offense in both NHS and private healthcare settings.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) confirmed that they have received a breach report and are currently assessing the information provided. The London Clinic declined to comment on the specific claims but stated, "We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information."
Kensington Palace was informed of the alleged breach as soon as it was discovered, with sources indicating that the Princess of Wales has been made aware of the incident. The palace stated, "This is a matter for The London Clinic."
The probe comes amidst a flurry of conspiracy theories surrounding Middleton's absence from public life since her surgery, with internet trolls speculating about her health, marriage to Prince William, and whereabouts. The palace has been tight-lipped about the reason for her hospitalization, with sources suggesting that the princess may choose to reveal more details in the future.
The London Clinic, which opened in 1932, has a long history of treating members of the royal family, including the late Queen, Prince Philip, and Princess Margaret, as well as notable figures such as former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and former British Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and Anthony Eden. King Charles III was also a patient at the hospital at the same time as Middleton, undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate, during which doctors discovered he had a "form of cancer."
Middleton's last official public appearance was on Christmas Day when she attended church with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham, Norfolk. Kensington Palace announced that she would not return to public duties until at least after Easter, but this did not stop cruel trolls from bombarding social media with theories about her disappearance. In an attempt to quell the frenzy, aides released a Mother's Day picture of Middleton with Prince William and their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, which was later criticized for being heavily photoshopped.
