Kate Middleton health: The London Clinic chief finally responds to privacy breach reports

Al Russell, chief executive of The London Clinic, on Wednesday (Mar 20) evening finally broke his silence on claims that staff tried to view the medical records of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. Notably, Russell didn't make any direct reference to the claims about Kate.

The hospital said "any breach" of patient information would be probed. It is the same hospital where Kate underwent abdominal surgery.

On January 16, she was admitted at The London Clinic, which is frequently used by the Royal Family. King Charles was also treated there in January.

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The organisation said that it had "no place" for those intentionally breaching the trust of patients or colleagues.

Notably, to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the organisation's data controller is a criminal offence for any staff in a National Health Service (NHS) or private healthcare facilities.

This comes after, the British tabloid Daily Mirror reported that "at least one member of staff was said to have been caught trying to access" Kate's private medical records while she was a patient there.

Russell said in a statement that all his employees were "acutely aware" of their "individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality".

"We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients who put their trust in us every day," he continued.

"We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken," he added.

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In another development, Britain's data watchdog said it was also looking into a report.

Britain's data watchdog said it was looking into a report that staff at the hospital where Kate, Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery in January had attempted to access her private health records.

Downing Street's reaction

On being asked about the reported breach of records at the London Clinic, Downing Street said there were clearly "strict rules on patient data that must be followed".

"I think we all want to get behind the Princess of Wales, and indeed the Prince of Wales, and we obviously wish her the speediest of recoveries," the prime minister's official spokesman said as quoted by UK-based media reports.

The 'Kate-Gate'

After her abdominal surgery in January, Kate stepped back from public duties when she was reportedly recovering.

However, her absence and a heavily-edited Mother's Day photo, led to massive controversy theories worldwide, with people on social media asking "Where is Kate?".

Kate had also apologised earlier this month for editing the photo, which was apparently taken by her husband William, the heir to the throne.

(With inputs from agencies)