- author, Sean Seddon
- scroll, BBC News
The UK's Data Protection Authority is investigating a report that staff at the hospital where Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, underwent surgery in January, attempted to access private information about her health.
The British newspaper Daily Mirror, which published the report, said that staff at the London Clinic – a private hospital in London that usually treats members of the royal family – “tried to access his private medical records.”
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the body responsible for ensuring the privacy of information relating to the country's citizens, confirmed that it had received a “report of a breach” and was investigating the case.
BBC News has contacted the London clinic for comment. The hospital said that “any breach” of its patients' information would be investigated.
The clinic further stated that there was “no place” in the institution for those who intentionally violate the trust of patients or colleagues. But the statement did not directly refer to the allegations related to the princess.
Al Russell, chief executive of the London clinic, said in a statement that all his staff were “fully aware” of their individual, professional, ethical and legal duties regarding patient confidentiality.
He added: “We have systems in place to monitor patient information management, and in the event of any breach, all appropriate investigative, regulatory and disciplinary measures will be taken.”
What is being investigated
On Tuesday (3/19), the Daily Mirror reported that “at least one staff member was caught trying to access” Catherine’s medical notes.
The newspaper said that an internal investigation had been opened at the private hospital that treated the Princess and King Charles III in recent months.
According to the Daily Mirror, “at least one member of the team was caught trying to access” the princess’s medical records.
The newspaper also reported that an internal investigation had been opened at the hospital that treated both Kate and King Charles III in recent months.
Asked about the Daily Mirror report, an ICO spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that we have received a report of a breach and are evaluating the information provided.”
The ICO oversees the use of data protection and freedom of information regulations across the UK.
BBC News was unable to independently verify the Daily Mirror's claims, which were published on Tuesday evening.
A Kensington Palace spokesman declined to confirm or deny the report, adding: “This is a matter for the London Clinic.”
Recently, Kate also apologized after editing a photo of herself with her three children posted by Kensington Palace on Mother's Day, an incident that sparked more rumors on social media.
The princess spent about two weeks in a London clinic in January, and Kensington Palace said at the time that she was unlikely to return to public duties before Easter, on medical advice.
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