Officials at The London Clinic have launched an investigation into a possible “breach” of security regarding the Princess of Wales’ recent hospital stay.
It’s reported that at least one staff member “attempted” to look at Kate Middleton’s medical records when she was admitted to the clinic for abdominal surgery in January, The Mirror reported.
“This is a matter for The London Clinic,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told People when asked for a comment.
Al Russell, The London Clinic’s CEO, issued a statement on the matter.
“Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality. We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day,” he said. “We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken. There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
A source told The Mirror that several officials at the clinic told Kensington Palace of the security breach and said an investigation was forthcoming.
“This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the royal family,” a source told The Mirror. “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 London Clinic added, “We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information.”
This event is the most recent in a long line of speculation on Kate’s health and whereabouts since she hasn’t been seen since Christmas.
A photo Kate allegedly edited and released for Mother’s Day was pulled by many news organizations because of the poor editing job, which Kate admitted to doing.
Then, on Monday, TMZ got a video allegedly showing Kate and Prince William at a local shop. There were no photos of the trip.
Kate is not expected to resume royal duties until Easter.
