Kevin Pietersen has slammed the "absurd" conspiracy theories swirling around Catherine, Princess of Wales - insisting he sees her "most days".
Kevin Pietersen and his wife Jessica Taylor live near Catherine, Princess of Wales in Windsor
The former cricketer lives in Windsor with his wife Jessica Taylor close to where Catherine, 42, has a house with her husband William, Princes of Wales and their three children - and Kevin is adamant he sees the royal couple out and about regularly even though the princess has stepped back from the spotlight since undergoing surgery in January.
In a post on X - formerly known as Twitter - Kevin wrote: "The conspiracy theories around Kate are absolutely absurd. We see W K [William and Kate] most days and in the last couple days too! It beggars belief that people would be so ridiculous and cruel in writing [nonsense] on this platform that are out and out lies."
He went on to tell cruel trolls who have been speculating about Catherine's health to leave her alone. Kevin added: "W K are the most wonderful parents and as normal/humble as they come.
"Let K who is recovering from an operation recover. Leave her and her beautiful family alone."
Catherine has been the subject of ferocious online gossip since she stepped away from her royal duties at the start of the year to recover after undergoing abdominal surgery.
She has opted not to go into detail about her health issues but is said to be planning to get back to work after Easter.
However, Catherine has since been caught up in an alleged data breach amid allegations staff at the London hospital where she had surgery attempted to access her medical records.
A source told the Mirror newspaper: "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. They assured the palace there would be a full investigation."
Bosses at The London Clinic - where Catherine was treated - are also reported to be reviewing the allegations.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: "This is a matter for The London Clinic."