Prince William’s Neighbor and Friend, Rose Hanbury, Responds to Affair Allegations with Him
Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, addressed circulating speculations about her and the Prince of Wales through a statement made by way of her legal team. This latest development shines a spotlight on the recent unprecedented online commentary centered around the British royal family and their associates.
Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury at the DKNY Night Fragrance launch in London, England on December 12, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
In a statement that has rippled through royal circles and beyond, Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury weighed in on the swirling affair allegations linking her to Prince William. "The rumours are completely false," declared Lady Sarah through her legal representatives in an effort to draw an end to the speculation that has intrigued and divided public opinion.
This emphatic denial comes against the backdrop of renewed interest and speculation in the royal family's personal dynamics, magnified by popular media and online platforms alike. The affair allegations resurfaced with vigor following a segment on Stephen Colbert's late-night show, which tapped into the whirlwind of internet theories surrounding Princess Catherine's recent ongoing absence from the public.
Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury at the AnOther Magazine 10th Anniversary Dinner in London, England on February 21, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine smiling during an event posted on June 27, 2023 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
According to a news outlet, Stephen brought the rumor into the limelight. He mentioned that many people suggest that the Princess's absence might be tied to murmurs of an affair between her husband—the future King of England—and Lady Sarah.
Lady Sarah Rose Hanbury at the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in London, England on March 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
His monologue also touched on the fact that the affair rumors initially began in 2019. However, the renewed interest has turned what was once whispered speculation into a full-blown "Katespiracy," a term coined by the internet to describe the mystery surrounding the Princess's whereabouts and the alleged royal affair.
As a result of speculative claims reaching fever pitch, the official explanation for the Duchess's absence—a recovery period following abdominal surgery—has done little to quell the tide of gossip and conjecture.
Princess Catherine at the EE BAFTA Film Awards in London, England on February 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Amid this frenzy, social media platforms have become arenas for debate, with users vehemently expressing their opinions on the affair allegations and Lady Sarah's response. Comments range from calls for Prince William to address the rumors directly—"Prince William needs to come clean 🙏✅"—to outright dismissal of the rumor as unfounded and harmful.
"This is getting serious," one person said, while another asserted, "That means they’re true!" Someone else pondered, "Did William cheat on Kate?"
Prince William and Princess Catherine at the EE BAFTA Film Awards in London, England on February 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
However, among the clamor of voices, some stand in defense of the royal couple's marriage. "Kate is injured. I’m sure you can read between the lines!!" contrasted sharply with supportive statements like, "He married the Princess of Wales, would you all think the Prince of Wales will look elsewhere? They have 3 beautiful, amazing [and] smart children 😍😍."
Another fan referenced the past tumultuous marriage of Prince William's parents, King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, as a deterrent against claims of infidelity. They expressed, "I don’t believe any of it. William wouldn’t do that after seeing what happened to his mum; he wouldn’t want the same for his wife and family. I don’t know how you get [away] with all these […] lies."
Princess Diana and King Charles III during their Canadian tour in Toronto, Canada in October 1991 | Source: Getty Images
This latest chapter in the ongoing saga of royal rumors underscores not only the voracious public appetite for details of the lives of the British royal family but also the complex relationship between public figures and the media. As Lady Sarah's affair denial makes headlines, it attempts to draw a definitive conclusion to rumors that have long cast a shadow over two households closely linked by proximity and aristocratic ties.
As previously reported on March 14:
While Kate Middleton is absent from the public eye, recovering from her abdominal surgery, Prince William is suspected of having an affair. As rumors spread across the world, royal fans are delving into the persona of the alleged mistress.
Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley attends a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Aristocrats know her as Lady Rose Hanbury. She is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. She has long been linked to the British Royal Family. This is through her well-heeled family and their prestigious place in British high society. She is married to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. The couple raise three children together at their residence.
Prince William's and Rose Hanbury's families have been friends for a long time. But their friendship is under scrutiny by the public after a recent picture was released. In the photo, Prince William was riding in a car with a woman, allegedly his wife, Kate Middleton, by his side.
However, royal fans think otherwise. After being deceived by the picture of Kate Middleton and her children released on Mother's Day, fans no longer trust so easily. Some people believe that the woman in the car next to Prince William is none other than Rose Hanbury.
First, her head is suspiciously turned away from the cameras, a thing that Princess Catherine never did. The Princess of Wales has always been brave enough to face the cameras. She did so even after waiting ten years for William to propose. Apart from hiding away, the woman is also staring at the brick wall, which fans have disputed.
Prince Louis of Cambridge and his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
"That is not Kate Middleton in the car; Kate has never shied away from cameras. Even when she waited ten years for Willy to propose, that is Rose Hanbury, William's mistress," commented a user.
"Sorry to go all tinfoil hat, but I don't think that's Kate Middleton. I think that's Rose Hanbury in the car with William because why can't we see her face? You're really telling me the paparazzi didn't run around the car to get a shot of her face?" another chimed in.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Claerchen's Ballhaus dance hall on July 20, 2017 in Berlin, Germany | Source: Getty Images
While some believe it is Rose Hanbury’s face, others speculate it is a photoshop of Kate Middleton, a profile from another picture. Fans use evidence to say the picture is fake. They reference Kate Middleton’s picture from the 2016 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. She wore a black pillbox hat.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France | Source: Getty Images
However, Goff Photos — the agency that captured William and Kate in the Range Rover — addressed the rumors. They assured the public that the pics "have been cropped and lightened" but "nothing has been doctored." The speculations spread so far that even Stephen Colbert addressed the situation. In his latest comedy sketch on national American TV, he talked about the alleged affair.
Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," 2024 | Source: Youtube/@ColbertLateShow
"Now there have been rumors of an affair between William and the Marching Band of Chicanery since 2019," the host started off. "According to tabloids back then, when Kate supposedly confronted him about it, he laughed it off saying there was nothing to it. Always a good response when your wife accuses you of cheating," he said sarcastically.
For people who do not follow the Royal Family closely, Rose Hanbury might seem a new persona on the royal stage. However, the woman has been around William and Kate for a long time.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Rose Hanbury attend a gala dinner in support of East Anglia's Children's Hospices' nook appeal at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
In June 2016, their families attended a gala dinner to support East Anglia's Children's Hospices at Houghton Hall. Then, they were already close, considering how friendly they looked in the photos. Dressed in beautiful gowns, Kate and Rose greeted each other fondly, while their husbands shook hands.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
Despite the niceties, fans found one of the pictures taken at the event quite controversial. "These pictures say a thousand words. Prince William, Rose Hanbury, and Kate all in one picture. I can already read the room here. A lot has been going on," commented a user. "This picture is always my favorite peek into the drama," another agreed.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
It was not the last time their families were seen together. In 2020, she and her husband were invited to celebrate Kate's 38th birthday. The party was only for some of their closest friends at their country home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. David and Rose, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley also attended the party.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
They are close friends. Rose Hanbury and her family live in the residence only three miles from Anmer Hall. Anmer Hall is home to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Lady Rose Cholmondeley resides with her husband and kids at Houghton Hall in Norfolk.
The couple welcomed twin sons in October 2009. Their names are Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley. Later, in 2016, their daughter, Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley, was born.
Today, swirling rumors allege that Prince William had an affair. The spotlight has turned to Rose Hanbury. She finds herself at the center of speculation. Despite the rumors, Rose Hanbury is a wife and mother. She is also an aristocrat in Royal social circles.
As speculation continues, Rose's presence in royal circles and gatherings would invite further scrutiny. It doesn't help that not so long ago Prince William was seen without his wedding ring in public, causing a wave of reaction.
As previously reported on March 12:
Prince William was seen beside his stepmother, Queen Camilla, engaging warmly with attendees through handshakes and smiles. Photos from the event were posted on the royal social media accounts.
Prince William during the Commonwealth Day celebration, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily/
Queen Camilla and Prince William during the Commonwealth Day celebration, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily/
However, amidst the regal splendor and ceremonious greetings, eagle-eyed observers on social media noted something amiss. William was without his wedding ring.
This observation quickly spiraled into a hot topic, with comments flooding the royal family's social media post. Concerns and curiosity were voiced openly, as one commenter asked, "..is he wearing a wedding ring? Bc I do not see one," while another stated, "William without his wedding ring."
Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives for the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
However, Prince William is not the only one who has been seen without his ring.
In a recent heartwarming family photo shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales' Instagram account after the Princess's abdominal surgery, royal enthusiasts quickly noticed an unusual detail. The candid snapshot, which featured Princess Catherine surrounded by her three children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, caught the attention of many with their radiant smiles.
Captured in an idyllic outdoor setting, the photo depicts a moment of familial bliss, with Prince Louis standing to his mother's right, Princess Charlotte perched on the chair’s arm next to her, and Prince George lovingly hugging her from behind. However, the absence of Princess Catherine’s iconic rings sparked a flurry of concern and speculation among followers.
A close-up of Princess Catherine's left hand posted on March 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
A close-up of Princess Catherine's right hand posted on March 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Social media users—ever attentive to detail—voiced their observations and worries in the comment section of the Instagram post. "Where’s your ring Kate??? 💍👀👀", one user questioned, while another speculated, "This photo was taken before Kate went missing and Kate looks like a single mom with no wedding ring in skinny jeans. It is forbidden to wear tight clothes after abdominal surgery.”
Someone else added, “It is strange that she is not wearing her wedding ring […] it is either an old photo that wasn’t taken to release for this purpose or something [is] up with their marriage.” The concern was palpable, with another noting, “A beautiful photo but oddly she is not wearing her wedding rings.”
After forgetting to wear their rings, the couple has been seen together for the first time in a while, photographed in the car. As the picture was released, fans began their speculation.
Prince William and Princess Catherine as seen in an Instagram post dated March 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/people/
After her first public outing since her surgery in January, fans of the royal family noticed a new dynamic between Princess Catherine and her husband, Prince William. Some observers viewed their public outing as a positive sign, indicative of happiness and unity within their relationship.
Prince William and Princess Catherine as seen in an Instagram post dated March 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/people/
Yet, the sighting also revived uneasy comparisons to a tumultuous period in royal history, with one fan commenting it was "reminiscent of Charles and Di at the end." Others voiced concern, suggesting "Will is mad with her!" and that it "reminds me of the pictures of his parents during their last year together," with the prevailing sentiment being that they appeared "so unhappy."
King Charles III and Princess Diana during an official visit to South Korea in November 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Amidst these observations, a notable portion of fans detected an undercurrent of "tension" between the royal couple. Skepticism about the state of their union was evident, with comments suggesting that Kate and William might not be on "good terms." One particularly somber prediction from a fan was that "the wheels could be falling off this marriage," a reflection on the unique pressures faced by those living a life of royal duty.
Prince William attends a gala dinner in support of East Anglia's Children's Hospices' nook appeal at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
In a whirlwind of rumors surrounding Prince William's alleged affair and the spotlight on Rose Hanbury, royal fans are in a frenzy of speculation. Despite attempts to keep things normal, both Prince William and Princess Catherine are under intense public scrutiny after being spotted without their wedding rings.
Every move and photo is being analyzed, with people comparing them to past royal dramas. The state of their marriage is now a hot topic, with some seeing signs of unity, while others suspect trouble brewing. The fascination with the British Royal Family remains strong, showing the world's enduring interest in the highs and lows of royal life.