Here we go again!
With Rose Hanbury making an appearance at King Charles‘s coronation, the internet is bracing itself for another wave of speculation regarding her rumored affair with Prince William. This narrative has a history, one that started back in 2019 and has re-emerged with a vengeance. In 2019, tabloids were awash with gossip regarding a supposed falling-out among Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Hanbury—who is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, though fittingly, it’s pronounced “Chumley.” The drama seemed to peak when Rose’s name resurfaced in a 2022 tip highlighting the alleged affair, leading to the Twitter hashtag #PrinceOfPegging. Confused yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got the details. To kick things off, let’s revisit how this all began. Reports from In Touch claimed that William had strayed with Rose, and when confronted by Kate, he dismissed her concerns with a laugh. Whispers of an affair sent tabloids into a frenzy, but solid evidence was always lacking. Royal correspondent Richard Kay deemed the entire saga “fake news,” indicating that both parties had considered legal action—but none ever materialized. After all, if there’s no proof, why give the rumors credence?
Now, who exactly is this Rose, apart from her fancy title? She’s a former model married to David Rocksavage, a filmmaker and the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. Living in Norfolk, England, near the royal couple’s Anmer Hall, Rose and her husband have a lifestyle that showcases their wealth and status, prompting The Sun to label her as Kate’s “rural rival.” What sparked the tensions between the two women? Allegedly, Kate was upset about stories suggesting she wanted to remove Rose from their circle of friends. In March 2019, tabloid reports hinted that the duchess was keen on phasing Rose out, although the exact reasons remain shrouded in mystery. Then we had that eyebrow-raising tip from the gossip account @DeuxMoi, which claimed that whispers of a royal affair were an “open secret.” Let’s be clear—these tips aren’t always reliable and can sometimes be pure fabrication. Nevertheless, speculation quickly turned to William, driven by the lingering “rivalry” narrative with Rose as the focal point. As for any legal actions?
While Richard Kay refuted the existence of legal proceedings, the Daily Beast reported that there had been pressure from the palace to remove certain claims about the royal affair from social media discussions. A tweet from Giles Coren stating he was aware of an affair added fuel to the fire, resulting in the palace allegedly taking action to defend the royal family‘s reputation. Now, the truth of the matter is that only William, Kate, and Rose truly know what transpired within their friendship. When the royals hosted former President Donald Trump, Rose was also present, which shows that perhaps there are no lingering hard feelings after all. The recent invitation for her to attend King Charles’s coronation further underscores this possibility. According to a source speaking to Us Weekly, the rumors about the affair didn’t just create tension, though; they forced William and Kate to evaluate their relationship. Kate, understandably hurt, grappled with the idea of her children one day learning about these damaging rumors. So, the big question is, who is Rose Hanbury?
Apart from being the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, she has a rich background, having married into a family with a notable legacy. Their residence, Houghton Hall, is not just impressive but has historical significance as the ancestral home of the Cholmondeley family. In fact, the estate is open to the public, showcasing its grandeur and an extensive collection of art. Once a model, Rose’s life took a different turn after marrying David in 2009. With a posh lineage herself as the daughter of a viscount, she seamlessly fits into the circles of the elite. Together, they share three children, whose titles and futures are closely intertwined with their wealthy heritage. Despite the dramatic gossip surrounding her, Rose and Kate also share common ground in philanthropic efforts; both are patrons of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices charity. This collaboration showcases that two women can work together for the greater good, despite the “rival” narrative painted by some tabloids. And let’s not forget that despite the persistent rumors, the friendship between the Cholmondeleys and the Waleses still appears intact. Various public appearances, like attending the same events, hint that the relationship is not as strained as some might believe. Life in the royal spotlight might come with its share of rumors and speculation, but the reality is often far less sensational than the tabloids suggest. Kate Middleton and Rose Hanbury continue to navigate their lives in the public eye, each with their own stories and struggles beneath the surface of royal gossip. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, the tale of Prince William’s alleged affair remains just that—a rumor.
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