Royal news – live: Criminal probe over Kate Middleton medical breach as London Clinic vows crackdown

At least one member of staff tried to access Kate’s notes while she was a patient at the London Clinic in central London in January, according to The Mirror. The mother of three was admitted to the hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16

Hospital staff could be charged with a criminal offence by the data protection watchdog and face an unlimited fine if they are found to have unlawfully accessed her records.

The hospital’s chief executive promised a thorough investigation into the reports.

As theories over Kate’s whereabouts show no sign of slowing, a BBC journalist agreed with growing speculation that the woman videoed shopping with Prince William at the Windsor Farm Shop was not the Princess of Wales.

Sports presenter Sonja McLaughlan, whose tweets are protected and not visible to non-followers, wrote: “It’s so obviously not Kate,” according to The Telegraph.

Police asked to investigate, minister says

Police have been asked to look into the alleged attempt to look at the princess’s records, health minister Maria Caulfield said.

“Whether they take action is a matter for them,” she told LBC radio.

“But the Information Commissioner can also take prosecutions,” she added.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told The Independent the force was not aware of any referral.