As the Kate Middleton drama continues to unfold, another figure has emerged, sparking a new wave of unfounded speculation and conspiracy theories on social media.
In British aristocratic circles, she is recognized as Lady Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley (pronounced “Chumley”). Lady Rose has longstanding connections to the British Royal Family through her affluent family and their esteemed position in British high society.
Speculations within the royal gossip circles have long suggested that Hanbury might be Prince William’s rumored mistress, although no concrete evidence has ever been presented. Rumors about a potential affair initially emerged among royal observers back in 2019. Now, amidst widespread speculation about the Princess of Wales’ activities and several miscommunications by the Kensington Palace public relations team, her name has once again become entangled in the unfolding drama.
The speculation gained momentum this week, with even Late Show host Stephen Colbert addressing it in his opening monologue on Tuesday night’s episode. So, let’s delve into who Lady Rose is, her ties to the royal family, and why these rumors have resurfaced.
How are the Hanburys linked to the Royal Family?
Sarah Rose Hanbury was born on March 15, 1984, to Timothy Hanbury and Emma Longman. She is one of three siblings, with an elder sister and a younger brother.
Both Timothy and Emma were involved in design: Emma in fashion and interior design, while Timothy specialized in website design.
Before Rose Hanbury became linked to the Prince and Princess of Wales, her family already had ties to the royal family. Her maternal grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambart, served as one of Queen Elizabeth II’s bridesmaids at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
Hanbury received her education at a prestigious boarding school. After graduating, she pursued a degree through the Open University and started her career as a model at the age of 23.
During this period, she crossed paths with her now-husband, David George Philip Rocksavage, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. They began dating in 2006, drawing attention due to their significant age gap—he is 23 years her senior.
Hanbury and Rocksavage announced their engagement in June 2009 and tied the knot just two days later. Shortly after, in October 2009, they welcomed twin boys prematurely, ahead of their scheduled January 2010 arrival. Nearly seven years later, they welcomed a baby girl named Iris.
Hanbury’s link to William and Kate
The couple reportedly forged a friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after they settled in the grand Houghton Hall, located near the royal estate of Sandringham. It’s speculated that Hanbury and Middleton bonded quickly when Middleton would visit her then-boyfriend, William, at Sandringham. Later, after William and Middleton’s marriage in 2011, when they moved into Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate, the Cambridges and Cholmondeleys established a close friendship.
Residing in close proximity to the royal couple led to the Marchioness receiving invitations to various royal events over the years. In 2017, she was observed seated beside Prince Harry at a Buckingham Palace state banquet. Additionally, in 2022, she participated in the memorial service for Prince Philip and the funeral for Queen Elizabeth.
In April 2023, it was disclosed that their son Oliver would act as one of the pages at King Charles’s coronation, alongside the heir to the throne, Prince George.