UK hospital worker cautioned for trying to sell Princess Kate's medical records
The UK's data watchdog issued a formal caution to a former London Clinic healthcare professional who tried to sell the Princess of Wales’s private medical records for financial gain.
The breach and its investigation
A former healthcare worker at the London Clinic has been formally cautioned by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for deliberately accessing and attempting to sell the Princess of Wales's sensitive medical records. The ICO launched a criminal investigation in March 2024 after the hospital reported a breach earlier that year, when at least one staff member tried to access Kate's notes while she was a patient. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is now a former employee and received the caution under section 170(5) of the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Kate undergoes abdominal surgery at the London Clinic.
- The London Clinic reports a breach; ICO opens criminal investigation.
- ICO issues a formal caution to a former healthcare worker.
Kate's health journey
Kate, 44, underwent planned abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition at the private London hospital in January 2024. Post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer, and she later announced she would begin a course of preventive chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales was not seen publicly for almost three months before releasing a video statement in March 2024 confirming her diagnosis. Last year she said she was in remission, and this month she attended Royal Ascot alongside Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camila.
Watchdog and hospital reactions
Ian Hulme, executive director for regulatory supervision at the ICO, stressed that patients must be able to trust healthcare settings with their data.The conduct involved the deliberate misuse of highly sensitive personal information and an offer to disclose it for financial gain, representing a clear breach of trust.
The London Clinic, one of Britain's largest private hospitals and which also treated King Charles for cancer, said it was satisfied with the outcome.When this trust is broken, it's right that the law allows us to take action. We will not hesitate to pursue criminal prosecution where it is necessary and proportionate to do so.
We are pleased that our work with the ICO has brought this sad and isolated incident to a conclusion. There were no regulatory breaches by the hospital.
Return to public life
Since disclosing her remission, Kate has resumed official engagements. Her first overseas visit post-treatment was to Italy last month, and on Wednesday she appeared at the Royal Ascot horse races wearing a yellow dress and matching hat, a visible return to her public schedule and the royal family's high-profile events.
