By Jon Brady
Published: | Updated:
Downing Street has urged the British public to ‘get behind’ Kate Middleton as she recovers from surgery – amid a flurry of cruel conspiracy theories about her health and an alleged data breach at the hospital where she was treated.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson made the call as it emerged an investigation has been launched into claims staff at the private clinic where she underwent an abdominal operation illegally tried to access her medical records.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says it is investigating claims a worker at the London Clinic tried to view her records without authorisation; the clinic itself says it will take ‘all appropriate steps’ to investigate the alleged breach.
Meanwhile, Prince William has taken a trip to the Welsh Guards’ barracks in Windsor – for whom he serves as Colonel – as speculation continues to bubble online about his wife’s current health.
He was seen speaking animatedly with soldiers at Combermere Barracks, and said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: ‘As Colonel, Welsh Guards, it’s always a pleasure visiting the barracks to speak with the soldiers, hear plans for their future, and witness the great work the Battalion does with physical and mental rehabilitation.’
Kate Middleton is continuing to recover following planned abdominal surgery in January at the London Clinic
The clinic has been implicated in a data protection scandal after it was alleged staff attempted to access the Princess of Wales’ medical information
Prince William pictured at the Welsh Guards’ barracks in Windsor following a visit today
Quizzed by reporters today, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman has urged Brits to ‘get behind the Princess of Wales’.
Asked about the alleged breach at the London Clinic, the spokesman said: ‘Clearly there are strict rules on patient data that must be followed.’
And on whether people should give Kate a break, he added: ‘I think we all want to get behind the Princess of Wales, and indeed the Prince of Wales, and we obviously wish her the speediest of recoveries.’
The CEO of the London Clinic has vowed ‘all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken’ as it investigates the data breach claims.
Its chief executive, Al Russell, finally broke his silence this afternoon, saying in a statement: ‘Everyone at the London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
‘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.
‘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.’
The Princess is said to be aware of the allegations, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: ‘This is a matter for the London Clinic.’
The ICO said on Wednesday: ‘We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.’