LONDON – Britain's data watchdog has launched an investigation after reports that staff at the elite hospital where Duchess Kate underwent surgery attempted to access her medical records.
Duchess Kate, 42, has been the subject of intrigue and conspiracy theories around the world since January, when she underwent an unspecified open surgery at a London clinic frequented by royals and celebrities. This week, a video surfaced of her and Prince William shopping near her home in Windsor, which appeared to solve the mystery for some.
But on Tuesday, British tabloid The Mirror reported that the clinic was investigating allegations that at least one member of staff had tried to access her records while she was a patient at the world-famous facility. Reported.
The Information Commissioner's Office said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday that it had “received the breach report” and was “evaluating the information provided.”
“Everyone at London Clinic is acutely aware of our personal, professional, ethical and legal obligations regarding patient confidentiality,” London Clinic CEO Al Russell said in a statement Wednesday. ” he said.
Citing “recent media reports,” he said the hospital, which also treated King Charles III, “has systems in place to monitor the management of patient information, and any breaches will be subject to all appropriate investigations.” , regulatory and disciplinary measures will be taken.” was taken. There is no place in our hospital for anyone who knowingly violates the trust of patients or colleagues. ”
Kensington Palace told Reuters this was a “London Clinic matter”.
British Health Secretary Maria Caulfield called the allegations “quite serious” and said: “Any unauthorized access to notes is a serious matter.”
“From a health perspective it is unacceptable to see people's notes, but it was discovered and action was taken,” she said in an interview with Sky News.
In response to a question about the breach report received by the Information Commissioner's Office, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any reports to the Metropolitan Police at this time.”
This is the latest development in a royal saga that refuses to go away.
The palace announced in January that Duchess Kate would be taking more than two months off after undergoing unspecified abdominal surgery.
But she became subject to an entire ecosystem of speculation and conspiracy theories that filled in the blanks about the details she and William were trying to keep private about the situation.
While little information has been provided about Duchess Kate's surgery or medical condition, royal rumors heated up after a now-infamous doctored family photo reported by a major news agency.
Some have criticized the level of speculation about this royal soap opera, and even the interest and coverage itself. But the story also speaks to fundamental tensions between the palace, the press and the public over transparency and accountability.
The British press, which is dominated by conservatives, is generally sympathetic to the bereaved families. These newspapers are slamming the social media masses for speculating about Duchess Kate's health, but they're also fueling the story with full coverage.
The Sun, a right-wing tabloid and one of the country's best-selling newspapers, published a video this week showing Kate and William on a shopping trip. The footage was shot by engineer Nelson Silva, who told the paper his video should put an end to rumors about Kate's whereabouts and condition.
“I'm not really shocked that these comments keep happening, I'm just confused as to why they keep happening,” she said, adding that she suspects the person in the video isn't Kate. He spoke about conspiracy theories that some people have suggested. “This is a video that clearly shows her and William. I saw them with my own eyes. It was a completely relaxed situation.”
