Prince William emerges in private visit to Army barracks after Princess Kate hospital bombshell

Prince William emerged in a private visit to the Army barracks today, after Princess Kate's hospital bombshell was revealed.

The Prince of Wales, 41, made a secret trip to the barracks today as part of an important role he holds in one force.

The father-of-three visited Windsor's Combermere Barracks in his role as colonel of the regiment, chatting to soldiers and learning more about their work.

It is thought the Ministry of Defence (MoD) asked for his visit to be kept a secret.

Prince William and Princess Kate

William took on the role of colonel after his father King Charles, who previously held the role, became the monarch.

This visit came several hours after the CEO of The London Clinic vowed to take "disciplinary action" against an alleged breach of Princess Kate's medical data.

On Tuesday, The London Clinic launched an investigation over claims staff had tried to access Kate's records during her stay for an abdominal operation in January.

The CEO, Al Russell, has since spoken out about the claims saying that all the "appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary" steps will be followed.

Prince William

He said: "Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regard 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."

Kate Middleton

It was claimed that the princess's records were breached during her 13-day stay as a patient at The London Clinic two months ago.

It is a criminal offence for any member of the NHS or private healthcare workers to access a patient's records without the consent of the organisation’s data controller.

One insider told The Mirror yesterday: "This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family.

"Senior hospital bosses contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention and assured the palace there would be a full investigation.

Kate Middleton

"The whole medical staff have been left utterly shocked and distraught over the allegations and were very hurt that a trusted colleague could have allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics."

The princess is believed to be aware of the situation but Kensington Palace commented: "This is a matter for the London Clinic."

The London Clinic previously stated: "We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information."