Fears of a potential “blackmail plot” have emerged surrounding the investigation into a UK clinic’s alleged breach of Kate Middleton’s medical records. The probe, initiated after claims of unauthorised access, has escalated concerns over the Princess of Wales’s personal life, which is now in the limelight.
“Anyone accused of this most serious breach of trust should be interviewed under caution at the earliest opportunity,” Dai Davies, the former chief superintendent and head of the royal protection unit, was quoted as saying by ‘Daily Mirror’. “The implications for the royal family are far and wide and there must be a full probe by Scotland Yard to determine if any further crimes have been committed.”
The UK’s information watchdog said it is assessing reports that hospital staff attempted to view Kate Middleton’s private medical records while the Princess of Wales was admitted for abdominal surgery in London. The private hospital in central London, The London Clinic, where the 42-year-old was treated in January is said to have launched its own investigation into the claims.
At least one member of staff at the hospital had allegedly tried to access Princess Kate’s medical notes, according to UK media reports. “We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided,” said a spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The hospital reportedly contacted Kensington Palace, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ office, after the alleged breach came to light. “This is a matter for the London Clinic,” the palace said in a statement.
The private clinic has so far not commented directly on the allegations.
“We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information,” the London Clinic told the ‘Mirror’ newspaper.
The latest privacy breach incident related to Kate’s health comes amid conspiracy theories and social media speculation around her recuperation from a planned abdominal surgery. Kensington Palace had said after the procedure on January 16 that the Princess of Wales was “making good progress” and that it would not be providing commentary on a private medical matter. The Princess of Wales is not expected to return to official royal duties until next month, after the Easter school holidays.
Earlier, she was filmed by a member of the public out shopping with husband, Prince William, at a farm shop in Windsor near their family home. The palace hopes it would help quash rumours around her recovery, made worse after Kate was forced to apologise for the “confusion” she caused with an amateur edit of a picture of her with her three kids released earlier this month.
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