Employees at the hospital that provided medical care to Princess of Wales Kate Middleton in January are being investigated for illegally attempting to access her medical records. At least one but as many as three staff members at The London Clinic are suspected of trying to look at the princess’ private notes on her treatment.
Middleton, 42, had abdominal surgery in January, after which there was rampant public speculation about her medical condition. She spent 13 days in the hospital after the planned surgery.
On March 22, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
The hospital and British police are investigating the possible security breach. The incident has hurt The London Clinic’s reputation, which has a long history of treating members of the Royal Family, reports the Daily Mail.
The London Clinic is also being investigated over a possible delay in reporting the security breach to authorities, reports StyleCaster. British law requires healthcare facilities to report data security breaches within 72 hours of discovery. However, the private hospital that treated the princess waited for more than a week to report the breach.
Middleton might be able to sue The London Clinic for violating the British Data Protection Act, according to Newsweek.
The clinic said that if it’s determined that a breach did occur, “disciplinary steps will be taken,” reports News.com.au.