Police to investigate breach of Princess of Wales's medical records claim

Report that at least one member of staff at The London Clinic tried to access the princess's notes

Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, at Horse Guards Parade in London. AP

Police have “been asked to look at” whether staff at The London Clinic attempted to access the Princess of Wales’s private medical records, a minister has said.

The claims regarding records at The London Clinic where she recently received treatment are also being investigated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Maria Caulfield said there could be “hefty implications” for accessing the notes without permission, including prosecution or fines.

The health minister told LBC radio her understanding was that police had been contacted, although a Metropolitan Police spokesman said he was not aware of any referral to the force.

At least one staff member tried to access Kate, the Princess Of Wales's notes while she was a patient at the private hospital in central London in January, The Mirror reported on Tuesday.

The future queen was admitted to the hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16.

Kensington Palace has not disclosed details of the princess’s condition but has said it was not cancer-related and that she wished for her personal medical information to remain private.

The UK privacy and data protection watchdog said it had received a report of a breach.

“We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided," a representative of the ICO said on Tuesday.

Kensington Palace said: “This is a matter for The London Clinic.”

Kate’s absence from public life after her operation has led to conspiracy theories on social media about her whereabouts and health.

Footage emerged of her out shopping with the Prince of Wales at the weekend at the Windsor Farm Shop close to their Adelaide cottage home in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The royal couple also spent Sunday morning watching their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at a sporting event, according to The Sun.

Online speculation increased after irregularities were noticed in a Mother’s Day photograph of the princess and her children, which led to her admitting to “editing” the image and apologising for any “confusion” caused.

Kate, Princess of Wales’s red carpet style - in pictures

The princess has been photographed in public twice since her operation.

In a picture published on March 4, she was a front-seat passenger in a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, in the Windsor area.

She was also seen sitting next to Prince William in a chauffeur-driven car last Monday, when he attended the Commonwealth Day service in London and she was driven to a private appointment.

It was reported at the weekend that the Princess of Wales may speak about her health during public engagements, which are not expected to resume until after Easter.

The Metropolitan Police and The London Clinic have been approached for comment.