Prince William has paid a private visit to Combermere Barracks in Windsor to visit the Welsh Guards – his first appearance since claims emerged hospital staff attempted to access his wife the Princess of Wales’s private medical records
Prince William has paid a private visit to a barracks near Windsor – marking his first appearance since claims emerged hospital staff attempted to access his wife the Princess of Wales’s private medical records.
The Prince of Wales was pictured smiling as he met with members of the Welsh Guards in his role as its Colonel on a visit to Combermere Barracks this afternoon. William has been Colonel since 2023 and on his visit he saw the current facilities and plans for their improvements, and spent time connecting with soldiers, medics, and physical training instructors.
Pictures of the visit appeared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts with the message: “As Colonel, Welsh Guards, it’s always a pleasure visiting the barracks to speak with the soldiers, hear plans for their future, and witness the great work the Battalion does with physical and mental rehabilitation.”
His visit comes jut hours after it emerged that the world renowned hospital where his wife Kate was treated has launched an investigation over claims staff attempted to access her private medical records.
Bosses have launched a probe into the claims Kate’s confidentiality was breached while she was a patient in The London Clinic, where she had bowel surgery in January. At least one member of staff was said to have been caught trying to access the 42-year-old’s notes. The allegations has sent shock waves through the hospital in Marylebone, Central London, which has a reputation for discreetly treating of the royal family, former presidents, PMs and celebrities.
The probe comes after video and pictures emerged this week of Kate and Prince William at a farm shop in Windsor, amid conspiracy theories being churned out by internet trolls about her absence since having surgery. 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.
Today, the Londonc Clinic, the hospital at the centre of claims vowed “all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken”. Chief executive of the London Clinic, Al Russell, said: “Everyone at the London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality. 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.
“We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken. There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
The hospital informed the Palace of the alleged breach as soon as it was discovered, sources said. Kensington Palace said: “This is a matter for The London Clinic.”
Kate is understood to have been made aware of the alleged incident. Kate, who has been recovering at home in Windsor since she was discharged from the hospital on January 29 after 13 nights there, has chosen not to reveal the reason she was admitted. Police have now been asked to look into the allegations by Health Minister, Maria Caulfield.
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