A U.K. healthcare worker allegedly tried to sell Princess Kate‘s “highly sensitive personal information” as she went public with her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
The U.K.’s privacy and data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, announced Wednesday, June 17, that it had concluded its criminal investigation into medical information illegally obtained and disclosed to a third party during a breach reported by the London Clinic in March 2024. The inquiry resulted in the ICO issuing a formal caution to “a now former healthcare professional from London.”
“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 statement said.
Though the ICO did not name 44-year-old Kate specifically, the BBC, The Guardian and other outlets reported the breach was related to the royal’s medical records.
Happy anniversary, Prince William and Princess Kate! The royals in photos
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Prince Harry, left, and Prince William, center, and the former Kate Middleton, right, cheer on the English team during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham on Feb. 10, 2007, in London.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)
The London Clinic is where the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, two months before she revealed she was undergoing cancer treatment. Her father-in-law, King Charles, was also treated at the private hospital in central London.
The ICO also said it concluded “that a caution was the appropriate and proportionate enforcement response.” Based on its findings, the incident did not indicate widespread “failings that would meet the threshold for regulatory enforcement.”
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In January 2025, Kate announced with “relief” that her cancer was in remission. Though Kate has kept most of the details about her cancer battle private, she has offered occasional insights into her experiences.
In a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts on Feb. 4, which is World Cancer Day, Kate said cancer journeys are not “linear.”
“There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness and profound connection,” she said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Princess Kate’s medical records were breached, offered for payment