Another day, another batch of speculation regarding Kate Middleton.
The Princess of Wales’s recovery from the abdominal procedure she underwent in January has been highly-publicized and gossiped about, with all manner of rumors flying around the internet over the past few weeks.
The exact circumstances behind her initial hospitalization remain shrouded in mystery, but what we do know is that things were serious enough to ensure she stayed at the London Clinic – a world renowned medical facility – for 13 days.
According to shock new reports today, the hospital has been forced to begin an investigation into claims that staff attempted to access Kate’s private medical records.
The Daily Mirror say that chiefs at the London Clinic have launched a probe into claims that the Princess’s confidentiality was breached while she was a patient, with at least one member of staff, aged 42, believed to have been caught trying to access Kate’s notes.
Needless to say, the allegations are extremely troubling, not only for the hospital itself – known for discretely treating members of the Royal Family, former heads of state, and celebrities – but also for the royals, who will have been desperate to keep Kate’s medical records under wraps.
According to the Mirror, an insider revealed: “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.”
Meanwhile, the London Clinic refused to issue a statement on the claims.
“We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information,” they said.
The Princess of Wales is said to have been made aware of the alleged incident, while Kensington Palace said: “This is a matter for The London Clinic.”
As mentioned above, not much is known about the reason for Kate’s surgery in January. At the time the Palace described it as a “planned abdominal procedure”, explaining that Kate would not return to royal engagements until at least Easter.
The general lack of updates has seen a spike in conspiracy theories and outlandish conjecture as to Kate’s well being and whereabouts, though the Princess was sighted this past weekend while on a trip to a local farm shop with Prince William.
Sources close to Kate told The Sunday Times that the 42-year-old may choose to talk about her hospitalization in the future.
“They will want to be clear and more open, but they’ll do it when they feel ready,” an insider said. “I would expect that to be her instinct and it will be her call. They’re not going to be rushed.”