Hospital investigating breach of Kate Middleton's medical records
What we know about Kate Middleton's surgery and months-long absence
The hospital where the princess underwent a "planned abdominal surgery" is investigating claims at least one staff member tried to look at her medical records.
By Hayley Peppin and Ella Sangster
IN THE TWO months since it was announced the Princess of Wales was hospitalised for a "planned abdominal surgery," the royal family has found itself in a PR crisis.
Initial concerns for the princess' health spiralled into full-blown conspiracy theories following the Mother's Day photoshop scandal. Then, on March 20-days after Kate was spotted in public for the first time-more (harrowing) news about her hospitalisation came to light.
The Daily Mirror reported that "at least one staff member" at The London Clinic, the hospital where Kate underwent surgery, tried to look at her medical records during her stay.
A source told the publication that senior hospital bosses had alerted Kensington Palace.
This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the royal family, the source said. 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.
The hospital's chief executive, Al Russell said in a statement that they were investigating the accusations and, "In the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken."
He said the clinic was "acutely aware" of its "professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality," adding: "We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day."
The palace has not commented on reports of the breach. Ahead, everything we know about Kate's surgery and recovery so far.
Is Kate Middleton okay?
Following the unexpected controversy over a doctored family photograph released by Kensington Palace on Mother's Day-which showed Kate for the first time since it was announced she would be hospitalised-a source has provided Harper's BAZAAR US with an update on her wellbeing.
A royal source said that the atmosphere at the palace is, tense, but there is a sense that this will pass. They aren't too worried.
A Buckingham Palace insider added: Some staff can't quite believe how badly [Kensington Palace] have cocked things up by not paying close enough attention to what was being released to the world. Didn't anyone there think to check the photo before it went out?
Another insider said, [This situation] has caused some stress for the princess, but she tends not to pay attention to online chatter or even the press. I think people forget that this was simply a mother wanting her family to look their best in a photograph that was going to be heavily scrutinised. She was protecting her children.
One palace source provided an update on Kate's recovery, saying she is doing well, all things considered." They noted she has left the house several times in the past two weeks and on one of those occasions was, smiling, upbeat, and enjoying being out.
Related: Kate Middleton was the quiet Y2K queen of the noughties
Where is Kate Middleton?
For the first time since she was last seen on Christmas Day, the Princess of Wales was captured passenger-side in a black SUV near Windsor Castle. Wither her mother, Carole Middleton, in the driver's seat, Kate kept a low profile, donning black sunglasses with her hair down. It's unclear where they were headed.
She was later spotted on a trip to a farm shop in Windsor with Prince William.
What has Prince William said about Kate Middleton?
While Prince William hasn't directly spoken on Kate Middleton's condition, a spokesperson told People on March 6: His focus is on his work and not on social media."
On February 27, William also unexpectedly pulled out of a planned public appearance the memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece citing a personal matter.
According to Town & Country, Kensington Palace let reporters know that William would not be joining his family at the ceremony, which included Queen Camilla, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, among others. King Charles III was not in attendance amid his ongoing cancer treatment.
It's also believed the Prince called King Constantine's family personally to let them know. With concern William's decision to skip the event perhaps having something to do with Kate's recovery, a Palace aide told Bazaar.com that she continues to be doing well.
What surgery did Kate have?
Kensington Palace first revealed Kate Middleton spent 14 days in hospital for "planned abdominal surgery" on January 17, during a rare personal statement. While it's unclear what led to Kate's surgery, Harper's BAZAAR US can confirm her condition was not cancerous.
The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery," the statement read.
Police officers stand guard outside the London Clinic, where Princess Kate was hospitalized for a planned abdominal surgery.
In respecting Kate's wishes for privacy and maintaining "normality" for their three children, Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 5; the palace said they'd only share "significant" updates moving forward, and didn't offer any specific details on the type of surgery the Princess underwent at the London Clinic.
The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private, the statement continued.
Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness's progress when there is significant new information to share.
The statement concluded with: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
Related: This is what Kate Middleton eats each day to maintain her princess glow
When will Kate return to royal duties?
Kate Middleton is expected to make her return to royal engagements for London's s annual the Trooping the Colour parade on June 8. Her appearance at the event, which celebrates the official birthday of King Charles III, was first announced on the Ministry of Defence's website on March 6.
It's worth noting, though, that the palace usually provides official confirmation on who will attend the event, according to a royal source who spoke with the Daily Mail. But given Kensington Palace's original statement, which shared that Kate would likely resume public duties after Easter it's quite possible by June 8 she'd able to attend the Trooping the Colour parade.
"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," Kensington Palace previously revealed.
What do we know about her recovery?
On January 28, Kensington Palace confirmed Kate was back home in Windsor and is making good progress" in Windsor following her planned abdominal surgery" at the London Clinic. A royal source also told Bazaar.com, The Princess is in good spirits.
The prince and princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.
When was Kate Middleton last seen?
Kate's last royal engagement was on Christmas when she joined members of the royal family for their annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham. Adorably, Kate and Will and their kids coordinated in blue and green outfits for the occasion.
Related: Take a look at Kate Middleton's barely-seen second wedding dress
The post Hospital investigating breach of Kate Middleton's medical records appeared first on Harper's Bazaar Australia.
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