What could be the criminal punishment for Kate Middleton health record breach at The London Clinic?

The London Clinic has launched an investigation into an alleged attempted breach of Kate Middleton’s private medical records while she was a patient at the world-renowned hospital reports the Mirror. The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January has been out of the public eye since, which has sparked numerous conspiracy theories.

Kensington Palace has said that she would be recovering in private at home following her roughly two-week stay at hospital and would unlikely make any appearances until after Easter. The revelation comes after video and pictures were published on Monday allegedly of Kate and Prince William at a farm shop in Windsor.

What could be the criminal punishment for Kate Middleton health record breach at The London Clinic?

“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. “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.”

That person said that after the incident, involving at least one member of the staff, was brought to the attention of senior bosses at The London Clinic, they “contacted Kensington Palace immediately.” Furthermore, the royal household was assured that “there would be a full investigation.”

The Met Police have not confirmed whether the alleged incident has been reported. Nonetheless, it is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom for any staff in a healthcare setting, either NHS or private, to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the medical provider’s data controller.

According to Data Leak Lawyers, those who access private medical records without a valid legal reason in the UK “could lose their jobs, face fines and be ordered to pay surcharges.” The Information Commissioner’s Office, the country’s information rights and data privacy watchdog, has investigated and prosecuted such illegal actions in the past.

Who else has been treated at The London Clinic?

The London Clinic since its opening in 1932 has developed over the years a reputation for discreetly treating high-profile patients. A number of royals have undergone treatment at the private hospital including King Charles III earlier this year for an enlarged prostrate. Members of the Royal Family have also officially opened several new facilities at the medical center located in Marylebone, Central London.

Its list of illustrious list of patients has also included both British and foreign politicians as well as celebrities. In 1947, then congressman John F. Kennedy was diagnosed with Addison’s disease at The London Clinic. Former British Prime Minister and current UK Foreign Secretary was born there in 1966.

The British-American children’s book author, actress and theatrical director Emma Walton Hamilton, was also born there in 1962. The following year, Elizabeth Taylor underwent a knee operation at the hospital after falling on a film set.