However, royal fans think otherwise. After being deceived by the picture of Kate Middleton and her children released on Mother’s Day, fans no longer trust so easily. Some people believe that the woman in the car next to Prince William is none other than Rose Hanbury.
First, her head is suspiciously turned away from the cameras, a thing that Princess Catherine never did. The Princess of Wales has always been brave enough to face the cameras. She did so even after waiting ten years for William to propose. Apart from hiding away, the woman is also staring at the brick wall, which fans have disputed.
Prince Louis of Cambridge and his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“That is not Kate Middleton in the car; Kate has never shied away from cameras. Even when she waited ten years for Willy to propose, that is Rose Hanbury, William’s mistress,” commented a user.
“Sorry to go all tinfoil hat, but I don’t think that’s Kate Middleton. I think that’s Rose Hanbury in the car with William because why can’t we see her face? You’re really telling me the paparazzi didn’t run around the car to get a shot of her face?” another chimed in.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Claerchen’s Ballhaus dance hall on July 20, 2017 in Berlin, Germany | Source: Getty Images
While some believe it is Rose Hanbury’s face, others speculate it is a photoshop of Kate Middleton, a profile from another picture. Fans use evidence to say the picture is fake. They reference Kate Middleton’s picture from the 2016 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. She wore a black pillbox hat.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France | Source: Getty Images
However, Goff Photos — the agency that captured William and Kate in the Range Rover — addressed the rumors. They assured the public that the pics “have been cropped and lightened” but “nothing has been doctored.” The speculations spread so far that even Stephen Colbert addressed the situation. In his latest comedy sketch on national American TV, he talked about the alleged affair.
Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” 2024 | Source: Youtube/@ColbertLateShow
“Now there have been rumors of an affair between William and the Marching Band of Chicanery since 2019,” the host started off. “According to tabloids back then, when Kate supposedly confronted him about it, he laughed it off saying there was nothing to it. Always a good response when your wife accuses you of cheating,” he said sarcastically.
For people who do not follow the Royal Family closely, Rose Hanbury might seem a new persona on the royal stage. However, the woman has been around William and Kate for a long time.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Rose Hanbury attend a gala dinner in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ nook appeal at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
In June 2016, their families attended a gala dinner to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at Houghton Hall. Then, they were already close, considering how friendly they looked in the photos. Dressed in beautiful gowns, Kate and Rose greeted each other fondly, while their husbands shook hands.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
Despite the niceties, fans found one of the pictures taken at the event quite controversial. “These pictures say a thousand words. Prince William, Rose Hanbury, and Kate all in one picture. I can already read the room here. A lot has been going on,” commented a user. “This picture is always my favorite peek into the drama,” another agreed.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
It was not the last time their families were seen together. In 2020, she and her husband were invited to celebrate Kate’s 38th birthday. The party was only for some of their closest friends at their country home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. David and Rose, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley also attended the party.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
They are close friends. Rose Hanbury and her family live in the residence only three miles from Anmer Hall. Anmer Hall is home to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Lady Rose Cholmondeley resides with her husband and kids at Houghton Hall in Norfolk.
The couple welcomed twin sons in October 2009. Their names are Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley. Later, in 2016, their daughter, Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley, was born.
Today, swirling rumors allege that Prince William had an affair. The spotlight has turned to Rose Hanbury. She finds herself at the center of speculation. Despite the rumors, Rose Hanbury is a wife and mother. She is also an aristocrat in Royal social circles.
As speculation continues, Rose’s presence in royal circles and gatherings would invite further scrutiny. It doesn’t help that not so long ago Prince William was seen without his wedding ring in public, causing a wave of reaction.