"'Health Rumors' Crown Princess's Medical Records Attempted to Be Viewed by Hospital Staff"

Kate Middleton, Crown Princess, Plagued by Rumors After Surgery
Hospital Staff Attempted to Access Medical Records... Authorities Investigate

Earlier this year, rumors circulated about Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, being in critical condition after surgery, and now allegations have emerged that hospital staff attempted to access her medical records. On the 19th (local time), the UK Mirror reported, "At least one staff member at the hospital where the Princess underwent surgery tried to access her records, which the hospital discovered."

Kate Middleton, Crown Princess of the United Kingdom.
Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the same day, a spokesperson for the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the data protection authority, stated, "We have received a report of a (data protection) breach and are assessing the information provided." Kensington Palace commented, "This is an issue for that hospital." The hospital in question is a private facility located in central London, which has long served many high-profile individuals, including members of the royal family. It was also reported that King Charles III recently received treatment there for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

This incident appears closely linked to the public's interest in the Princess of Wales's health. The Princess underwent abdominal surgery at the hospital on January 16 and was hospitalized for about two weeks. Since then, she has not appeared in public, disappearing from the spotlight for seven weeks. Despite attending the Christmas royal family service and fulfilling official duties up until just before the surgery, no images of her leaving the hospital or personal photos have been released, fueling various rumors and conspiracy theories.

Post-Surgery 'Health Concerns'... Speculation on Attendance at June Trooping the Colour Ceremony

On the 11th (local time), British newspapers were filled with photos of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her family, which have been alleged to be manipulated. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 28th of last month, a Spanish broadcaster claimed, "The Princess of Wales experienced a major crisis after surgery," stating, "Although the surgery was successful, serious complications arose, and the medical team had to exert all their efforts. The Princess was put under general anesthesia and intubated." This report sparked online rumors of her being in critical condition or in a coma. However, the royal family dismissed the claims as "absurd."

In an apparent attempt to quell these rumors, on the 10th, the Princess shared a family photo on social media featuring Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This seemed to put an end to the health concerns, but controversy grew when it was revealed that the photo had been digitally altered.

Recently, the American entertainment media outlet TMZ reported that the Princess was seen sitting in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, wearing sunglasses. Although the photo was taken from a distance, the Princess appeared more swollen than usual, leading to speculation that the health concerns might be somewhat true.

The Princess was originally expected to return to royal duties after Easter (March 31), and reports have emerged that she will attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony in June, celebrating the King's birthday. However, the royal family has not yet confirmed her attendance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.