The hospital, whose staff allegedly tried to access the Princess of Wales’s private medical history, has promised that “all appropriate action will be taken” against the staff responsible.
An employee of the private clinic The London Clinic, located in the British capital, will attempt to read Kate’s medical records from the 13 days she received medical treatment following her abdominal surgery.
London Clinic CEO Al Russell said: “We will not tolerate any deliberate breach of trust towards our patients or staff in our hospitals.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s privacy agency, is investigating the alleged data breach and assessing the information available.
Hospital staff could face criminal prosecution from the ICO, as well as unlimited fines if they are found to have illegally accessed the princess’s records.
Maria Caulfield, the UK Health Secretary, stated that “unauthorised access to medical information is a very serious crime.”
He also said that “police have been asked to investigate” whether clinic staff tried to access the princess’s private medical records.
Caulfield made the statement after the clinic launched an investigation into the serious allegations.
The princess was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16 and has not resumed her public duties.
In an earlier statement, Kensington Palace clarified that the princess’s condition was not cancer, but no further details were revealed. The palace also reminded the public that Kate wishes to keep her personal medical information private.
An Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) spokesperson said on Tuesday: “We can confirm that we have received a report of a security breach and we are assessing the information provided.”
Kensington Palace’s comment was: “This concerns The London Clinic.”
Both the Metropolitan Police and The London Clinic have been contacted for comment.
Internal sources at the agency said Mirror that the alleged breaches were “deeply damaging” to the medical center, and that senior executives immediately contacted royal aides to assure them that a thorough investigation would be carried out.
Staff were apparently “very shocked and upset” by the fact that a clinic employee might be responsible for the disturbance.
The news comes as speculation continues on social media about Kate’s health, her absence from public life and the edited photo she posted for Mother’s Day.
Kate was seen this week with her husband at Windsor Farm Shop, near their home on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Nelson Silva, 40, who filmed Kate shopping, said Sun who believes that conspiracy theorists are “delusional.”
He also added: “I am not surprised that these comments continue, but they seem unreasonable to me.
“This is a video that clearly shows her and William. I saw it with my own eyes. “They looked very relaxed.”
On Sunday, the royal couple also attended a sporting event featuring Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Sun.
The future queen has been photographed twice since her surgery.
The British government has urged the public to “support” Kate as she recovers amid a wave of conspiracy theories about her health.
Following allegations regarding medical records, the ICO announced that it had received reports of breaches.
An ICO spokesperson said on Tuesday: “We can confirm that we have received a report of a breach and are assessing the information provided.”
Both the Metropolitan Police and The London Clinic have been contacted for comment.
Translation by Sara Pignatiello
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