Kate Middleton hacking mystery: Data watchdog launches urgent probe into ... trends now
The hospital where Kate Middleton was treated last night refused to disclose whether staff who allegedly tried to hack the royal's medical records were still working at the prestigious clinic.
Bosses of The London Clinic launched the urgent probe after it was claimed at least one member of staff had attempted to access the Princess of Wales' personal details after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.
Mystery shrouded the huge security scandal yesterday with the private hospital refusing to answer questions about when it was first made aware of the violation claims or if the staff responsible had been suspended while the probe continues.
Data watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Officer (ICO), confirmed to MailOnline it had 'received a breach report' and is in the process of assessing the information provided.
Meanwhile, insiders at the hospital, based in Marylebone, central London, said staff had been 'left utterly shocked and distraught' that a 'trusted colleague' could have carried out such a 'breach of trust and ethics'.
A huge security breach has taken place at the hospital where Kate Middleton was treated after staff were reportedly accused of attempting to access her private medical records
The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales was treated after undergoing abdominal surgery, first opened its doors in 1932. Above: Police outside the hospital today as Kate undergoes treatement
Prince William was seen at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield as his wife continues to recover
Kate is said to be aware of the allegations, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said of the potential criminal offence: 'This is a matter for the London Clinic.'
The alleged breach of privacy comes as crazed conspiracy theories emerged after the Princess recovered in private following her procedure on January 16.
Disgraceful trolls on social media used Kate's decision to recover in private away from the public limelight as an opportunity to spread baseless and hurtful claims.
'Katespiracies' included claims she was recovering from a 'Brazilian bum lift' or in a coma, a theory sparked by a Spanish journalist. Other more sinister claims included that she was dead, had been replaced by a body double or that the Wales' marriage was in trouble.
The London Clinic could not confirm the exact date the alleged breach is said to have taken place but the revelation came a day after footage emerged of Kate out and about in Windsor over the weekend.
Revealing the scandal, one insider at the hospital told the Mirror: '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 allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics.'
It is a criminal offence for staff in any NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the medical provider's data controller.
King Charles walks out of The London Clinic on January following a three night stay in hospital after prostate surgery
The London clinic refused to comment on the claims but said told the paper it firmly believes 'that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information'
The Met Police told MailOnline it was unable to comment without knowing if the clinic had reported the incident to the force.
While the clinic refused to answer questions, it told the paper it firmly believes 'that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information'.
Details of Kate's condition have not been revealed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that the Princess wished her personal medical information to remain private.
Upon announcing that Kate was undergoing surgery Kensington Palace said the Princess would be out of action until after Easter.
Despite laying out a clear timeline, her temporary step back from work led to a tsunami of speculation being made about the her condition on social media.
The absurd claims only intensified when the Princess took the blame for the family photograph released by Kensington Palace on Mother's Day, which was 'killed' by six of the world's top picture agencies over concerns that it had been 'manipulated'.
Last week, friends of William and Kate said they 'want to be clear and more open' about her health woes - but will only share with the public 'when they feel ready'.
'She and William are at their most open when out interacting with the public. I can see a world in which the Princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements,' a source told the Sunday Times.
'If she was going to do it, that's how she would do it. They appreciate the public's love and affection for their children
