The hospital where Kate Middleton was treated is at the center of a huge security scandal on Tuesday, following reports that staff members tried to access the Royal's private medical records. This comes amid continued speculation over when the Prince of Wales is likely to make an official public appearance
Authorities at The London Clinic, where Kate underwent planned abdominal surgery in January, launched an investigation after allegations surfaced that at least one staff member tried to access the royal's medical records. The latest allegations have sent shockwaves through the hospital in Marylebone, Central London, known for discreetly treating members of the royal family, former presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities.
Hospital Under Fire
An insider at the hospital told the 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 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."
Kate is reportedly aware of the alleged incident, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said, "This is a matter for the London Clinic."
In any NHS or private healthcare setting, it is illegal for staff to access a patient's medical records without the consent of the data controller overseeing medical records.
An Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) spokesperson told the outlet: "We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided."
The London Clinic declined to comment on the allegations but told the Mirror that they firmly uphold the belief "that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information."
Troubles Aplenty
The investigation comes amid a deluge of speculation circulating on social media regarding the Princess' undisclosed health condition, leading Kensington Palace to announce her absence from duties until after Easter.
Baseless and hurtful conspiracy theories circulating online range from suggestions that she is dead to claims of her being replaced by a body double or indicating troubles in the Wales' marriage.
The situation escalated when the Princess took responsibility for a family photograph released by Kensington Palace on Mother's Day, which faced scrutiny from six leading picture agencies over concerns of manipulation.
The uproar on social media prompted the Princess to issue a personal apology on X, saying, "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing."
The hospital's investigation comes closely on the heels of videos and pictures that surfaced on Monday, showing Kate and Prince William visiting a farm shop in Windsor.
It showed a smiling Kate carrying a shopping bag as she walked swiftly from the shop, located a mile away from their Adelaide Cottage.
While the film brought relief to millions in the UK, indicating progress in the Princess' recovery, some people on social media made baseless claims that the person in the video was not Kate, but rather a body double.
Kensington Palace has refrained from disclosing specific details regarding her condition but previously said that it is not related to cancer. They also said that the Princess wished her personal medical information to be kept private.
