Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton may one day become the king and queen of England, but they have experienced their fair share of challenges just like any other couple.
In 2019, the Prince of Wales and his wife encountered a significant obstacle when rumors spread about William having an affair with Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Hanbury is a close friend of the Cambridges, having attended their wedding in 2011 and the memorial service for Prince Philip in 2021.
The former model's family has a long history with the royal family. Her grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambert, was a bridesmaid at Queen Elizabeth II's wedding to Philip in 1947. Hanbury's husband, David Cholmondeley, served as the Lord Great Chamberlain for Queen Elizabeth from 1990 until her passing in 2022. When King Charles III took the throne, the Marquess of Cholmondeley became a lord-in-waiting.
Rumors of an affair between William and Hanbury started circulating in 2019. Reports claimed that Kate had a falling out with her friend over the alleged infidelity. Although Kensington Palace never addressed the speculation, royal enthusiasts continued to look for hints and clues.
A family friend of the Middletons shared with We in June 2019 that Kate is deeply hurt by the hurtful rumors circulating about her. She is especially concerned about the impact these rumors may have on her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The friend also revealed that the gossip prompted Kate and William to prioritize their marriage more. It made them take a step back and reflect on their relationship, realizing that they needed to dedicate more time and effort to nurturing their bond.
A second insider mentioned that the couple, who first met while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, were successfully working on improving their marriage after facing rumors. The source reassured that experiencing challenges in a marriage, especially after eight years, is common, and Kate and William are handling it well. Despite any difficulties, their love for each other remains strong, and their children are their top priority.
Stephen Colbert brought up the affair rumors again in March 2024, when there was speculation about Kate's recovery from an undisclosed surgery.
Colbert joked about the speculation surrounding Kate's absence, suggesting it may be linked to rumors of her husband, Prince William, having an affair with The Marchioness of Cholmondeley. There have been whispers of infidelity between William and Rose since 2019, with tabloids reporting that when Kate confronted him about it, he dismissed it with a laugh.
Despite being together for most of their adult lives, William has maintained a friendship with his first serious girlfriend, Rose Farquhar. The Duke of Cambridge dated Farquhar in 2000 after meeting her at the Beaufort Polo Club while finishing his A-levels at Eton College. It wasn't until 2003 that William met Kate, his future wife.
After their breakup, William and Farquhar kept running into each other at weddings and other social gatherings. William went off to study at the University of St Andrews, while Farquhar moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Before transitioning into her current role in business development, Farquhar tried out for The Voice UK in 2016.
In December 2022, William attended Farquhar's wedding to George Gemmell. The Earthshot Prize cofounder was seen arriving for the ceremony through a back entrance at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Gloucestershire, England.
Editor's P/S:
The article sheds light on the challenges faced by Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton in their marriage, including rumors of William's infidelity with Rose Hanbury. While the royal couple has remained tight-lipped about the allegations, sources close to them have revealed the impact these rumors have had on their relationship. Despite the adversity, Kate and William have reportedly taken steps to strengthen their bond, prioritizing their marriage and the well-being of their children.
It's worth noting that the rumors surrounding William and Hanbury have not been confirmed, and it's important to approach such allegations with caution. Relationships, especially those in the public eye, can be subjected to scrutiny and speculation. It's commendable that Kate and William have navigated these challenges with grace and have prioritized their commitment to their family and their duty to the monarchy.