Hospital Staff Accessed Kate Middleton's Medical Records After Her 'Planned Abdominal Surgery'

The UK's privacy watchdog is assessing a report that staff at The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales had a 'planned abdominal surgery' in January, tried to view her medical records.

At least one member of staff is believed to have been caught trying to access the Princesses' medical records, with a source telling the Daily Mirror, which broke the story, that it is a 'major security breach.'

'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 source told the outlet. '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 news comes after speculation surrounding Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales', health reached fever pitch after she released a 'manipulated' edited photograph of her and her three children to mark Mother's Day on March 10. She later admitted having edited the photograph, which internet sleuths had suspected following its release.

In a move believed to be intended to appease the concerns of fans after the edited photograph's release, the Prince and Princess of Wales were reportedly seen - and filmed by a member of the public - visiting a farm shop in Windsor at the weekend.

In response to the rumours that began circulating regarding the Princess of Wales, who has been recovering from a 'planned abdominal surgery' since January, a spokesperson clarified on March 2 that there would be no further updates offered to the public.

'Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands,' the spokesperson confirmed in a statement. He reiterated that Kate was 'doing well.'

The update came just days before Kate was photographed being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle, which is where she's believed to have been recuperating with Prince William and their three children. The photograph is believed to have been taken by unauthorised paparazzi.

Kensington Palace announced on 17 January that Kate underwent a 'planned abdominal surgery.'

The Waleses pictured attending church in Sandringham on Christmas Day 2023.

'The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,' Kensington Palace said in a statement released in January. 'The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.

'The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world,' the statement read.

The statement released by the palace confirmed that the operation was 'successful' and stated that Kate would remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days. 'She will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,' the statement said. 'Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.'

The Princess of Wales attending a carol concert in December 2023.

'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,' the statement continued. 'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.'

'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,' it added.

The London Clinic, near London's Regent's Park, describes itself as the UK's largest independent private hospital.

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Naomi May

Acting News Editor

Naomi May is a freelance writer and editor with an emphasis on popular culture, lifestyle and politics. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard as its Fashion and Beauty Writer, working across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Acting News Editor at ELLE UK and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others.