Downing Street commented on the situation after an investigation was launched into allegations hospital staff had tried to access the princess’ private medical information.
The Information Commissioner’s Office is looking into claims a London Clinic staff member tried to access the information without permission, as the clinic says “all appropriate” steps will be taken (the office is headed by John Edwards, formerly NZ’s Privacy Commissioner before he was head-hunted to lead the UK’s privacy watchdog).
Downing Street has spoken out after an alleged data breach at the hospital where Kate Middleton underwent surgery earlier this year. Photo / Getty Images
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson told reporters that British citizens need to “get behind the Princess of Wales”.
“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.
Kate Middleton last appeared at an official engagement with her family at Christmas. Photo / Getty Images
“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.”
Kate is reportedly aware of the alleged breach, as a spokesperson for Kensington Palace has said: “This is a matter for the London Clinic.”
Kate Middleton timeline
December 25, 2023 Kate’s last verified public appearance
January 17 Kate admitted to hospital
January 28 First bizarre health claims emerge
January 30 Kate returns home
February 6 King Charles diagnosed with cancer
February 7 William returns to duties, Harry flies to London
February 20 William issues statement on conflict in Middle East
February 28 William misses godfather’s memorial
March 1 Kate ‘doing well’
March 4 Kate spotted in car
March 6 William breaks silence, royal outing revealed
March 10 Kate’s Mother’s Day photo fiasco
March 11 Kate takes the blame for photo editing, issues apology
March 13 Photoshop theories, Kate in ‘fragile’ state
March 13 ‘Sad like Diana’ and Sussexes break silence
March 14 Stephen Colbert jokes about Prince William affair claims
Royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, told the Mirror the news would have been “a shock to the palace, a shock to the princess and a shock to her husband and (to her) father-in-law, the King”.
She added: “For the London Clinic, it is an embarrassment of the worst kind and they will do their best to appease everyone concerned.
“As for Catherine, it is another emotional upset; she is going to have to put it behind her. She is far stronger than she looks. She will not allow her battered emotions to get the better of her.”
The princess has been at the centre of bizarre conspiracy theories since her surgery in January this year.
