The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January, has released a statement following claims staff tried to access Kate Middleton’s medical records.

The clinic has vowed that all appropriate steps will be taken when dealing with the alleged data breach.

CEO 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.

Hereford Times: Kensington Palace said 'this is a matter for The London Clinic'

"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."

A data watchdog has reportedly launched an investigation into claims Kate Middleton’s private medical records were attempted to be viewed by staff at The London Clinic.

Details of Kate’s condition have not been disclosed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that the princess wished for her personal medical information to remain private.

At least one member of staff tried to access Kate’s notes while she was a patient at the private hospital in central London, The Mirror reported.

Kate has also been informed about the claims, according to ITV.

Kensington Palace said: “This is a matter for The London Clinic.”

The UK privacy and data protection watchdog said it had received a breach report.

An Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) spokesperson said on Tuesday (March 19): “We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.”