An investigation has reportedly been launched at the London Clinic over claims staff tried to access the Princess of Wales’s private medical records while she was being treated there.

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

It quoted a source who said senior hospital bosses had “contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention and assured the palace there would be a full investigation”.

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

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

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

The London Clinic has been approached for comment. The Metropolitan police could not confirm whether it had been informed of the allegations.

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

The investigation comes after a difficult time for the Prince and Princess of Wales, following the fallout from a family photograph released to the media on Mother’s Day, which was later withdrawn from circulation by photo agencies after concerns were raised over image manipulation.

It was the first official photo of the princess since she underwent the surgery.

The princess later issued a public apology and said she was responsible for digitally editing the photograph.

On Tuesday, the Sun published photographs and a video, which appeared to show Kate and Prince William shopping at the Windsor Farm Shop near their home in Windsor at the weekend.

Although Kensington Palace said the princess would not return to royal duties until after Easter, the Times had reported that plans are afoot for her to make a “soft return” by walking to church on Easter Sunday for the annual Easter matins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.