The lives of the members of the British royal family have always been intriguing for the public.
The moment the country learned William started dating Kate while the two were both students at St. Andrews in Scotland, the media published all sorts of “love is in the air” articles which additionally added to the interest in the couple’s private life.
During the time they dated, William’s friends often mocked Kate because she was a commoner.
Before starting their multi-million dollar worth company Party Pieces, Kate’s parents worked ordinary jobs. Her mother was an air hostess for the British Airways and it seemed like a good ground for jokes at the future Princess’ expense.
Speaking on Vanity Fair’s DYNASTY podcast last year, royal expert Katie Nicholl – author of The New Royals – described how William’s “snooty” friends whispered “doors to manual” when Kate arrived at one of West London’s nightclubs.
The prince’s aristocratic friends who were referred to as the “Glosse Posse,” a reference to their Gloucestershire roots, didn’t feel like Kate was on their level. However, she never rose to the “derogatory” comments made towards her, but decided to ignore them.
“It was never water off a duck’s back, but she has extraordinary strength of character and resilience. I’ve never once seen or heard of her losing her temper,” a royal aide told the Sunday Times Magazine.
William and Kate both graduated in the same year, 2005; William with a master of arts degree in geography, and Kate with a master of arts degree in art history. But while their relationship appeared only to flourish, trouble lay on the horizon.
However, in 2007, the couple split, and that split was a high-profile one as everyone suddenly started talking about it. The news filled the newspapers and made headlines while many speculated of the reasons behind the break-up.
They eventually reconciled and tied the knot on April 29, 2011.
In April 2019, the American publication In Touch reported that William “may” have had an affair with a woman named Rose Hanbury, who happens to be the Marchioness of Cholmondeley and a friend of Kate’s.
Allegedly, Kate confronted William about the rumors but he “laughed it off” and claimed that wasn’t true.
Daily Mail royal expert Richard Kay spoke on the matter and said it was fake news. “Both sides have considered legal action, but because none of the reports have been able to offer any evidence about what the so-called dispute is about, they have chosen to ignore it… These hurtful rumors of a fallout are simply false,” Kay wrote.
Rose and her husband live near Kate and William in a home with 106 rooms.
Rose’s maternal grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambert, was one of late Queen Elizabeth’s bridesmaids when she married Prince Philip, so this woman’s connection with the royals dates way back.
She and Kate are said to be friends who are both patrons of the East Anglia Children’s Hospice. What’s most, it has been reported that in the past William, Kate, Rose, and Rose’s husband David, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, double-dated.
Today, Rose works as a political researcher for the Conservative MP Michael Gove, but in the past she used to be a model. She and her husband started dating in 2003 and tied the knot six years later, welcoming three children together, twin brothers Alexander, the Earl of Rocksavage, and Lord Oliver Cholmondeley and daughter, Lady Iris.
Lord Oliver was one of King Charles’ Pages on Honor during his coronation in May of this year.
Currently, Rose’s husband is appointed Lord-in-Waiting to King Charles.
When the rumor about the alleged affair between William and Rose spread, it was reported that they were all left baffled.
“These hurtful rumours of a fallout are simply false. William and David were in touch with each other over the weekend, not knowing whether to laugh or complain,” an insider said.
“Both wives are hurt by the suggestion that there is any argument or even a coolness between them. They have plans for future events involving their charity.”
As per The Mirror, another friend said at the time: “It has now become very upsetting, and they are all concerned for each other, as they have never before had to start denying something for which there is no evidence or even a smidgen of truth. It is just mad.”
That the rumors might be far from true speaks the fact that Kate and Rose attended a music festival together, held at the 1000-acre Houghton Hall estate, owned by David and Rose.
“Catherine was nervous about the idea, but after much discussion with her protection officers, she went with lots of security. William wasn’t there,” a source shared with the Daily Mail.
The media reported that the Princess of Wales was “in high spirits, ordering spicy margaritas, eating affogato and speaking affably with the other members of her party.
“Her companions apparently carted in a huge, balthazar-sized bottle of AIX rosé and, together with Kate, left the festival restaurant staff a £700 tip.”