Police ‘asked to look’ into claims hospital staff tried to access Kate Middleton records

Three workers at an exclusive London hospital are now being investigated over disturbing allegations of a major security breach targeting Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton is at the centre of an alleged security breach at The London Clinic.

Three people are being investigated after disturbing allegations that an attempt was made to access the private medical records of Catherine, Princess of Wales, at an exclusive London hospital.

British police have been “asked to look” into the claims that centre on the London Clinic where Kate Middleton was treated for an abdominal issue.

The three people all work at the world-renowned Marylebone facility – which is the preferred hospital for many royals, including King Charles.

It is a criminal offence for any healthcare staff to access the medical records of a patient without consent of the organisation’s data controller.

The hospital has said that if any breach of patient information is found, “disciplinary steps will be taken”.

Speculation surrounding Kate’s health has consumed public conversation in recent days. Picture: Ian Vogler – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Police have been “asked to look at” the allegation. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Speaking on LBC radio on Wednesday, UK health minister Maria Caulfield confirmed that police had now been asked to investigate, adding: “Whether they take action is a matter for them.”

Ms Caulfield also warned that there could be “hefty implications” for anyone found to have accessed the documents without permission.

“I say this as someone who’s still on the nursing register, that the rules are very, very clear for all patients. That unless you’re looking after that patient, or unless they’ve given you their consent, you should not be looking at patients’ notes,” she told the radio station.

Police officers standing guard outside The London Clinic during Kate’s hospital stay in January. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

‘Disciplinary steps will be taken’

Following initial reports of the breach on Tuesday, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) confirmed it had received a report and was “assessing the information provided”.

“This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the royal family,” an insider told The Mirror.

“Senior hospital bosses contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention.

“They assured the palace there would be a full investigation.”

Kensington Palace has said that it is “a matter for The London Clinic”.

Chief executive of the London Clinic Al Russell released a statement that said all its staff were “acutely aware” of their “ethical and legal duties,” when it came to patient information, reported the BBC.

“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,” Mr Russell said.

“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.”

However, the medical facility has not commented on the specific allegations citing privacy concerns. Nor has it said if any staff members involved have been questioned or suspended.

William and Kate – pictured here late last year – popped up at a farm shop over the weekend. Picture: Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The new drama comes amid unprecedented scrutiny upon the royal family driven by a social media furore, and with conspiracy theories about Kate’s condition continuing to run rampant.

Over the weekend, William and Kate made a surprise appearance at their “favourite” farm shop in Windsor, just days after becoming embroiled in an embarrassing Photoshop blunder.

Footage of the outing, exclusively obtained by entertainment website TMZ and The Sun, was then published, showing the couple carrying shopping as they strolled through the car park.

Meanwhile, the team behind Kate is reportedly working “around the clock” to devise a strategy for her eventual return to work.

The Mirror reports that the top secret plan is now underway, two months after Kensington Palace announced that she would be absent from royal duties until “at least” after Easter.

It’s since been clarified by insiders that the suggested timeline actually referred to the UK Easter holiday break, which ends mid-April, as opposed to the actual Easter weekend on March 31.

Kate’s last official appearance was on Christmas Day.