An exclusive London hospital launched an investigation after it was alleged that a member of staff had tried to access Kate, Princess of Wales’ medical records when she was there in January, NBC News reported.
The 42-year-old Princess of Wales was hospitalized at the London Clinic in January to undergo an unspecified abdominal surgery.
The UK Mirror reported on March 19 that the London Clinic was investigating an allegation that at least one staffer had tried to access Kate’s medical records during her stay.
The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed the following day that it received a report about a suspected breach and was “assessing the information provided.”
The London Clinic’s Chief Executive Al Russell said in a March 20 statement that the hospital was “acutely aware” of its legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities in protecting patient confidentiality. He said the London Clinic had “systems in place” to secure patient information and monitor how it is managed.
Russell said if there was a breach, the clinic would take all necessary “investigatory, regulatory, and disciplinary steps.”
In an interview with Sky News, Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the allegations were “pretty severe” and said the breach was “spotted” and action had been taken.
Following her surgery, the Princess of Wales was out of the public eye for weeks, leading to speculation about her health.
Kensington Palace announced that Kate would be addressing concerns about her health in a March 22 statement.
That day, Kate revealed that while she was hospitalized, doctors had found cancer and said she was currently undergoing chemotherapy.
In her video announcement, the Princess of Wales asked for “time, space, and privacy” as she went through treatment and said she was “getting stronger every day.”
The news of Kate’s cancer is the latest blow to the Royal Family, coming less than two months after Buckingham Palace announced that His Majesty King Charles III was undergoing treatment for cancer.
