Kate Middleton’s Medical Records Involved in ICO Investigation
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Originally appeared on E! Online
Kate Middleton is at the center of an alleged security breach investigation.
Amid speculation surrounding the Princess of Wales' current health status, British tabloid The Mirror reported that staff at the London Clinic—where Kate recently underwent surgery—allegedly attempted to access her medical records, prompting Britain's data watchdog to look into the matter.
On March 20, the Information Commissioner's Office confirmed in a statement to E! News that it had received a breach report, and was "assessing the information provided."
Al Russell, a chief executive at the elite hospital, added in a statement to NBC News that, "everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality."
His statement also indicates that an internal investigation would be taking place.
"In the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken," he continued. "There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues."
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Kensington Palace also said in a statement to E! News, "This is a matter for the London Clinic."
More eyes than usual have been on the British royal family as Kate recovers from a planned abdominal surgery that occurred in January, and King Charles III—who also recently had a procedure at The London Clinic—undergoes cancer treatment.
Earlier this year, Kensington Palace issued a statement that the Princess of Wales—who shares children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, with Prince William—would not return to her royal duties until "after Easter." However, a photo the 42-year-old shared for U.K. Mother's Day March 10 sparked controversy after it was pulled from notable publications including the Associated Press for "manipulation."
And while Kate later took responsibility for the Photoshop job, saying that she, as an "amateur photographer," will "occasionally experiment with editing," the situation sparked even more public interest in her recovery.
On March 16, Kate and William appeared to attempt to put growing speculation to rest when they seemingly stepped out at Windsor Farm Shop for a public outing. E! News has not verified the authenticity of the footage of the royal duo.
Read on for more news on royals around the world.
Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy
After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored.
"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."
Lady Kitty Spencer Privately Welcomes Baby
Princess Diana's niece celebrated Mother's Day in the U.K. by sharing she and her husband Michael Lewis privately welcomed their first baby.
“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."
Queen Camilla Takes a Break
After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.
The Times pointed out March 2 that the 76-year-old didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.
Thomas Kensington Dies at 45
The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.
King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer
While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Sarah Ferguson Is Diagnosed With a Second Type of Cancer
The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Abdicates the Throne
On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th.
Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized
Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.
"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."
Prince William Adjusting His Schedule
Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
King Charles III Undergoing Treatment
Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."
"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
Luxembourg Welcomes a New Baby
Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!
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