Who Is Rose Hanbury? Royals' Friend Allegedly Linked To Prince William

Amid the recent release of 'Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival' by British journalist and author Omid Scobie, a storm of controversy has emerged, implicating Prince William in alleged infidelity with Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The book, penned by the seasoned journalist and royal author, contends that Kensington Palace went to great lengths to quash rumours that reverberated through the corridors of power in 2019.

This controversial revelation, if proven true, could significantly impact the public perception of the royal family. At the heart of the controversy is the claim that Prince William, aged 41, engaged in infidelity with Rose Hanbury, the 39-year-old Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Married to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Rose was not just an acquaintance but a longstanding friend of the royal couple. The rumours of the alleged affair surfaced in 2019, casting a shadow over the pristine image of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Palace's Strong Response

Scobie's book exposes a concerted effort by Kensington Palace's press secretary, Christian Jones, to quash a 2019 story suggesting that Prince William, 41, had been unfaithful to his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, with their former friend Rose Hanbury. According to Scobie, Jones went as far as offering other royal-related stories to The Sun, a prominent British tabloid, in exchange for halting the spread of these damaging rumours.

The Royal Distancing

Omid Scobie's book suggests that, in response to the swirling rumours, Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton purposefully distanced themselves from Rose Hanbury. The book, released on November 28, 2023, claims that the friendship unravelled as the spectre of the alleged affair loomed large. However, neither the royal couple nor Rose Hanbury has officially addressed these rumours, leaving the public in a vortex of speculation.

The Author's Perspective

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight on November 30, Omid Scobie shed light on the intricacies he uncovered. He emphasizes the careful approach taken in the book, acknowledging the legal constraints that limit the extent to which certain aspects can be explored.

Scobie highlights the importance of addressing even the rumors, stating, “Even if a rumor is a rumor, I really don’t see proof that there is more to this than just a tittle-tattle.”

The Unanswered Questions

While Scobie contends that there is no substantiated evidence to support the allegations against Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Rose Hanbury, he also acknowledges the likelihood that these rumours may persist due to the royal couple's decision not to address them directly. The lack of a categorical denial from William and Kate leaves room for ongoing speculation, ensuring that the controversy remains a lingering presence in the public discourse.

Impact on Relationships

The scandal, whether founded or not, has had a tangible impact on the relationships involved. Rose Hanbury, once an integral part of the couple's social circle, found herself at the centre of a storm that jeopardized not only her friendship with the Duke and Duchess but also her public image. US Weekly reported that Kate Middleton was deeply affected by the rumours, expressing hurt at the thought that her children might one day read about them online. 

However, in a surprising turn of events, Hanbury was seen at Prince Philip's 2021 funeral service, indicating a complex narrative surrounding these relationships. Hanbury's 13-year-old son, Lord Oliver alongside Prince George, even played a role in the coronation of William's father, King Charles III, further intertwining the lives of these individuals.