The hospital where Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in January reportedly experienced a security breach involving the Princess of Wales’ medical records.
An investigation is underway at the London Clinic over claims that at least one staffer attempted to access Middleton’s files, the Daily Mail reported Tuesday.
“This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the royal family,” a source at the private healthcare organization told the British newspaper.
The insider shared that the hospital has been transparent and immediately alerted the royal family about the security concern.
“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 source said.
The medical staff at the healthcare facility have been left “utterly shocked and distraught” over the allegations.
Workers were “very hurt that a trusted colleague could have allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics,” the source noted.
It is understood that Middleton, 42, is aware of the potential breach and a spokesperson for Kensington Palace told the website, “This is a matter for the London Clinic.”
A spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed that they had “received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.”
Meanwhile, The London Clinic told The Mirror that the organization strongly believes “that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information.”
Middleton underwent the planned procedure in January, though no further details are known.
Conspiracy theories about Middlton’s health and whereabouts have been running rampant online amid her recovery as she continues to stay out of the spotlight.
Middleton has not attended an official royal event since December when she attended the Christmas Day church service with Prince William and their three kids: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
While her rep exclusively told Page Six that Middleton was “doing well” and expected to return to her in-person duties after Easter, her ongoing absence has raised questions and concerns.
Worries heightened earlier this month when her husband bailed last-minute on a royal event due to “personal reasons.”
The internet was then set ablaze with theories on Middleton’s condition when she was caught posting a heavily doctored family photo on British Mother’s Day last weekend.
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Following the Photoshop fail —which forced Middleton to issue an official apology after photo agencies placed a “kill notice” on the image — she emerged in a few grainy paparazzi photos as she rode in a car near Windsor.
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Middleton was finally spotted out and about in public when she and the Prince of Wales stopped by the Windsor Farm Stand this weekend.
“After all the rumors that had been going ’round, I was stunned to see them there,” an eyewitness told The Sun. “Kate was out shopping with William, and she looked happy and she looked well.”
A video emerged of the couple’s shopping excursion in which Middleton was seen walking beside William looking happy and energetic.
While some have claimed Middleton was not actually in the video and it was actually a body double, her professional look-alike, Heidi Agan, denied that she was imitating the princess in the video.
Royal sources are hopeful that Middleton’s latest farm stand sighting should put the conspiracy theories to bed.
Page Six exclusively reported on Tuesday that William’s estranged brother, Prince Harry, is concerned over the drama but that “any hint of scandal is untrue.”