The Archbishop of Canterbury has slammed conspiracy theories surrounding Kate Middleton and her time out of the public eye.
Justin Welby has described rampant speculation about the Princess of Wales's condition as “old-fashioned country gossip”.
His comments come just days after the private London clinic where Kate underwent surgery in January launched an investigation into three employees for allegedly trying to gain access to her medical records.
King Charles' medical records are not believed to have been tampered with in the alleged breach of law over his treatment at the same clinic for an enlarged prostate earlier this year.
Archbishop Welby said people should be able to be sick and “live in peace without anyone being asked to prove something every other day.”
He told Times Radio: “We are obsessed with conspiracies and have no idea of the humanity of those caught in the glare of the news.”
He continued: “It was on the internet that there was a riot that sparked conspiracy theories among many people.
This is extremely unhealthy. It's just old-fashioned country gossip that can now travel around the world in a matter of seconds.
We must turn away from this. Gossip like this is inappropriate.”
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also defended Kate and her right to privacy as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
He said people should “stand up” and leave her alone after the “difficult surgery”.
“It's a human response from a father and a human being,” he told Channel 5's Jeremy Vine.
On Saturday, Kate was spotted smiling at a farm shop in Windsor with Prince William, walking with her hair down and dressed in casual sportswear
The couple's video sparked absurd conspiracy theories claiming that the woman in the video is not a princess.
A BBC reporter sparked controversy by criticizing the way the sighting was reported and claiming it was “definitely not Kate”.
An earlier Mother's Day photo editing mishap didn't help put the rumors to rest, although the future queen apologized for the mistake in a tweet.
Major news organizations have issued “kill notices” over the family snap, claiming Kensington Palace is “no longer a trusted source.”
Kate and her team are now said to be preparing for her return to royal duties after Easter, although she is working on an early childhood project at home to help children.
He may not return to work until Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis start the summer term at Lambrook School in Berkshire on April 17.
Kate is not the only member of the royal family struggling with her health, as King Charles is undergoing cancer treatment.
The monarch was spotted leaving Clarence House yesterday.
Charles “is doing very well,” Queen Camilla told crowds in Belfast on Thursday during a two-day visit to Northern Ireland.
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