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Three London Clinic workers investigated over alleged Princess Kate’s medical records breach
The breach allegedly happened after Kate had left hospital
THREE London Clinic workers are under investigation over claims they tried to access Princess Kate's medical records, it has been revealed.
The trio all work at the prestigious private hospital where the Princess of Wales had abdominal surgery in January, and where King Charles is being treated for .
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It is not known whether they have been suspended or when the clinic first became aware of the allegations, reports.
The alleged breach is said to have taken place after Kate was discharged on January 29.
A spokesperson for the clinic told The Sun they wouldn't comment on numbers of staff being investigated or any other details.
King Charles's medical records were not accessed in the alleged breach after he was treated for an enlarged prostate during the same month, it has been reported.
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The Information Commissioner's Office is now investigating the breach and an additional probe by the Met Police could happen.
Health minister Maria Caulfield said police have "been asked to look at" the allegations.
The Clinic could face a £17.5million fine over the alleged data breach, a medical privacy expert told The Sun.
It is a criminal offence for any staff in an NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the organisation’s data controller.
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The hospital, which is renowned for discreetly treating the Royal Family, PMs and celebs, is under fire for the "damaging" claims.
Kate was admitted to the clinic for her planned procedure on January 16.
I saw Kate with my own eyes - cruel trolls need to back off, says shopper who filmed royals
Her father-in-law King Charles was then admitted the following week for an enlarged prostate.
An insider told the : "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 possibly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics."
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The London Clinic's chief executive, Al Russell, earlier said "all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken" when looking at alleged data breaches.
In the statement, he said: "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.
"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."
The Information Commissioner's Office confirmed it had received a report of a breach.
There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues
Al Russell
They said: “We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.”
Downing Street said people should "get behind the Princess of Wales".
A spokesperson for the General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, said: "Patients must have confidence that their personal information is protected at all times.
"Our guidance is clear: we expect doctors to make sure any personal information about patients is effectively protected at all times against improper access, disclosure or loss, and they must not access a patient's personal information unless they have a legitimate reason to view it.
"We have a duty to consider whether any concerns raised with us about a doctor's fitness to practise meet the threshold for investigation.
"We will take appropriate action where those concerns pose a risk to patients or public confidence in the profession."
Asked about the alleged breaches at the London Clinic following Kate's treatment, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Clearly there are strict rules on patient data that must be followed."
They added: "I think we all want to get behind the Princess of Wales, and indeed the Prince of Wales, and we obviously wish her the speediest of recoveries."
A spokesperson for the ICO said they also could not comment further.
SHOPPING TRIP
The news comes as the dad who filmed Kate shopping with William last weekend has told conspiracy theorist trolls: “What more do you need to lay off her?”
Nelson Silva, 40, saw Kate “with my own eyes” looking relaxed in Windsor.
But yesterday trolls were still pushing their bizarre claims — despite The Sun releasing Nelson’s exclusive video of her at Windsor Farm Shop on Saturday lunchtime.
Incredibly, some said it was a Kate lookalike. Others that it was too tall to be her.
Another crazy claim was that the footage was taken in December as there are “Christmas decorations” in the background.
In under 24 hours the body-double rumours racked up more than 12million views on X/Twitter, and more than 11million on TikTok.
Engineer Nelson blasted the conspiracy theorists as “delusional”.
Speaking from the home he shares with his wife and daughter in the town, he said: “I’m not so much shocked that these comments have continued, I’m just confused how exactly they can continue.
“This is a video clearly showing her and William. I saw them with my own eyes. It was a completely relaxed situation.
“What more do you need to lay off her? I thought after this was released they’d go quiet. But these people are so invested in the drama now.
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“They’ve put so much time and energy into these rumours and lies that they can’t pull the plug.
"Even famous people are guilty. People with a large platform online — they can’t admit they are wrong now because they look so delusional.”
Timeline of royal health battles
HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health battles to have struck the Royals this year.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.
JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.
JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week.
JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.
FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.
FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
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