Stephen Colbert Addresses Prince William's Alleged Affair With Rose Hanbury on 'The Late Show'

Stephen Colbert Rehashes Prince Williams’ Alleged Affair

Stephen Colbert and Prince William. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS; Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Stephen Colbert is playing detective amidst rumors about Prince William and Princess Kate's marriage.

"I have some concerning news about the royal family of England," Colbert, 59, shared on the March 12 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. "Online investigators are speculating that Kate's recent absence could be linked to rumors of her husband, William, possibly having an affair."

Colbert expressed his sympathy for Kate, jokingly mentioning that he was prepared to spill the tea as he was handed a cup of English tea. He hinted at the alleged involvement of the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, also known as Rose, in rumors of an affair with William since 2019. Reports suggest that when Kate confronted William about it, he dismissed the accusations, claiming there was nothing to it. This response to being accused of cheating was deemed quite interesting.

Colbert shared that Hanbury, 39, is a longtime friend of the royals and is married to David Rocksavage, who is a close friend of William's. "Really? Rocksavage? That sounds more like a musician from the Flintstones than a British noble," Colbert joked.

Speculations of a possible affair between William, 41, and Hanbury arose in 2019 following reports that Kate, 42, and Hanbury had a falling out over the alleged scandal. Despite the rumors, Kensington Palace chose not to address the situation.

Stephen Colbert Rehashes Prince Williams’ Alleged Affair

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A family friend of the Middletons revealed in June 2019 that Kate is deeply upset by hurtful rumors circulating online. The friend expressed concern about the impact these rumors may have on Kate's children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

In a tell-all book by Omid Scobie in November 2023, the rumors were briefly mentioned. Scobie claimed that William and Kate have chosen to distance themselves from Hanbury due to the ongoing speculation about an affair.

Scobie, 42, shared with Entertainment Tonight in the same month that the rumors about William and Kate would probably persist since they never personally addressed them. He mentioned, "There's no evidence to support these rumors."

The speculation resurfaced online following Kate's recent absence from public view. Kensington Palace disclosed in January that she had a scheduled abdominal surgery and would not resume royal duties until after Easter.

The recent public sightings of Kate have sparked more discussions about her wellbeing, especially after being seen with her mom Carole Middleton and then with William on March 11. Additionally, there was controversy surrounding her digitally altered Mother's Day portrait.

Within hours of the photo being shared on Kensington Palace's social media on March 10, various news agencies allegedly issued a "kill notification" to take down the image.

In a statement the following day, Kate addressed the photo in a post via X, writing that she sometimes experiments with editing photos like many amateur photographers. She apologized for any confusion caused by the family photograph shared the day before and wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day. (The message was signed “C” for Catherine although it was posted by the official Prince and Princess of Wales account.)

It’s been a tough few months for the couple, who got married in 2011. A source revealed exclusively to Us that Kate is trying to ignore the rumors and gossip while William is doing his best to protect her from it all. This period has been stressful for both of them, but they are resilient and getting through it together.

Editor's P/S:

The rumors surrounding Prince William and Princess Kate's marriage have sparked a media frenzy, with Stephen Colbert adding his comedic take to the speculation. While the allegations of an affair with Rose Hanbury remain unverified, the public's fascination with the royal family's private lives is evident. The absence of an official statement from Kensington Palace has fueled the gossip, leaving many to wonder about the truth behind the rumors.

However, it's important to note that the impact of these rumors goes beyond the royal couple. Kate's recent absence and altered Mother's Day portrait have raised concerns about her well-being. The Middletons' close friend has expressed worry about the potential harm these rumors may have on the couple's children. While William and Kate are reportedly navigating this difficult time together, the public scrutiny and speculation surrounding their marriage are a reminder of the intense pressure and challenges faced by those in the public eye. palace's silence on the matter has only served to heighten the speculation and may ultimately damage the reputation of the monarchy if not addressed promptly and transparently.