In 2024, the long-standing rumors regarding an alleged affair between Prince William and Lady Rose Hanbury have resurfaced, gaining traction in mainstream media.
For those unfamiliar with the backstory, the saga began in March 2019 when reports emerged suggesting a rift between Kate Middleton and her close friend, Rose Hanbury, also known as the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Speculation arose that Prince William sought to reconcile the situation, aiming to maintain friendships between Middleton and the Cholmondeleys.
Amidst these rumors, British columnist Giles Coran sparked controversy by suggesting on Twitter, later deleted, that there was widespread knowledge of an affair between William and Rose. The subsequent deletion of the tweet, reportedly under palace pressure, only added fuel to the fire.
Now, with Kate Middleton’s prolonged absence from public appearances, the internet has reignited interest in the affair rumors. While Kensington Palace cited planned abdominal surgery as the reason for her absence, a recent photo-editing scandal has fueled speculation of underlying issues.
One prevalent theory suggests that the royal couple may be heading towards divorce, with the UK press allegedly paving the way for Prince William’s potential future relationship with Lady Hanbury through coverage of the Marchioness.
The speculation gained enough momentum to warrant a mention in Stephen Colbert’s monologue on March 12, where he highlighted the affair rumors from 2019. Colbert’s mention prompted Lady Hanbury to break her silence, with Business Insider reporting her denial of the rumors through her legal representatives on March 16. Notably, this marks the first public statement from Hanbury addressing the allegations.
Meanwhile, recent sightings of Kate Middleton with Prince William on March 16, as reported by The Sun, depict her as appearing “happy, relaxed, and healthy,” seemingly dispelling some of the speculation surrounding her absence.
