This is a major security breach

Hospital distraught over staff bid to see Kate records'

- RUSSEL MYERS

STAFF at the hospital that treated the Princess of Wales are said to be distraught over an alleged attempt by colleagues to view her private medical records.

Bosses have launched a probe into the claims Kate's confidential data was targeted while she was a patient in The London Clinic in January.

At least one member of staff is said to have been caught trying to access her notes without authority.

The allegations have sent shock waves through the hospital in Marylebone, Central London, which has a reputation for discreetly treating the Royal Family, former presidents, prime ministers and celebrities.

One insider revealed: "This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family.

"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 whole medical staff have been left utterly shocked and distraught over the allegations and were very hurt that a trusted colleague could have possibly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics." The probe comes as a video and pictures emerged this week of Kate, 42, and Prince William, 41, at a farm shop in Windsor, amid conspiracy theories being churned out by internet trolls about her absence since having an abdominal operation.

It is a criminal offence for any staff in an NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the organisation's data controller.