The calm that followed the announcement of breast cancer Kate Middleton seemed to have quelled rumors of infidelity between the two Prince William and Rose Hanbury. However, the situation is far from under control. The British public continues to speculate about the alleged relationship between the heir to the throne and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, fueling interest in a possible royal scandal.
For months, British tabloids have detailed William’s alleged infidelity with Rose Hanbury, a former friend of Kate Middleton. Reports of the affair first surfaced in 2019, causing a notable rift between the two women. The situation became complicated when Kate disappeared from the public eye in early 2024 due to illness, fueling speculation about her husband’s extramarital affair.
The cover-up strategy
In order to control the narrative, the British Royal Family has implemented a strategy to erase any trace of these allegations. According to media outlets such as 'The List' and 'Vulture', numerous articles that spoke about the alleged romance and tension between Rose and Kate have been deleted or edited to remove compromising details. This attempt to control information has been described as a potential generator of the 'Streisand effect', where the attempt to suppress information only increases public interest.
The royal family's attempts to keep these rumors at bay are not new. In 2019, the monarchy's lawyers sent deterrent letters to the media that reported on the alleged infidelity and warned of the potential legal consequences. However, recent moves to rehabilitate Hanbury's image indicate a renewed effort to protect the reputation of Prince William and his marriage.
Rose Hanbury
Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, was a close friend of Kate Middleton. Hanbury and his family, now in their 40s, live near the Prince of Wales's Norfolk estate. Their geographical and social proximity made the allegations of romance even more incendiary. Although Hanbury has publicly denied any inappropriate relationship with Guillermo, the systematic removal of references to the affair online has only increased public curiosity.
The apparent campaign to erase the traces of the alleged affair and rehabilitate Hanbury's image could be counterproductive. Some media outlets are warning that these efforts could lead to a even bigger scandal if a deliberate cover-up is discovered. The public perception of the honesty and transparency of the royal family is at stake, and any hint of information manipulation could undermine confidence in the institution.
David Cholmondeley and Rose Hanbury
As Kate Middleton battles illness, the shadow of a possible romance between Prince William and Rose Hanbury continues to haunt the British royal family. The cover-up has led to renewed attention and a potential PR crisis. Only time will tell whether the monarchy can weather this media storm or whether it is on the brink of a scandal of epic proportions.