Prince William and Princess Kate have long been viewed as a picture-perfect couple. Their romance began during their time at the University of St. Andrews, where they met, became friends, and eventually fell in love. Despite some ups and downs along the way, the couple went on to marry and now share a happy family together. As King Charles continues to age, attention is gradually shifting to when William will take the throne.
Known for valuing close relationships, the royal couple maintains strong bonds with their friends. However, several years ago, rumors of an alleged affair involving Prince William and one of Kate’s close friends shocked royal followers.
This rumor, which linked William to Rose Hanbury — a close friend of Kate and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley — first surfaced in 2019. Though unproven, the speculation stirred considerable controversy, as Rose was not only part of Kate’s inner circle but also their neighbor in Norfolk.
William and Kate’s relationship began in college. They lived in the same dorm, attended the same classes, and eventually moved into a shared home with friends, where their relationship blossomed. William once described Kate’s sense of humor as “naughty,” which he said matched well with his own.
Following their 2005 graduation — William with a geography degree and Kate with a history degree — the couple faced public scrutiny, especially Kate, who was subjected to harsh media coverage and social elitism due to her middle-class background. William’s aristocratic friends reportedly gave her cruel nicknames referencing her mother’s former job as a flight attendant. Despite the treatment, Kate remained composed and resilient.
In 2007, the couple briefly split amid growing tensions, including canceled holiday plans. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, William sought advice from both his father and grandmother, who suggested he take his time. However, their separation was short-lived, and they eventually reconciled.
William and Kate married in 2011 and now share three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The couple has made efforts to give their children as normal a childhood as possible despite their royal responsibilities.
Then came the 2019 rumors about an alleged affair between William and Rose Hanbury, which were widely reported by tabloids. Some stories even claimed Kate had confronted William and that their friendship with Rose had cooled. However, royal experts and insiders quickly dismissed the affair claims as baseless and hurtful. Daily Mail’s Richard Kay stated there was no evidence of a falling out or dispute.
Rose Hanbury, whose family has long-standing ties to the royal family, is married to David, the Marquess of Cholmondeley. The couple has three children and live near William and Kate’s Anmer Hall. Both families have reportedly remained on good terms.
Further dispelling rumors, Kate and Rose were spotted attending the Houghton Music Festival together in Norfolk. According to reports, Kate dined at Rose’s estate beforehand and enjoyed the festival with friends, demonstrating no visible tension between the two women. Festival staff even reported that Kate and her group were generous, leaving a large tip and appearing to have a good time.
Although the affair rumors generated significant buzz, no concrete evidence ever supported them, and they were repeatedly denied by sources close to the royal family. The ongoing friendship between Kate and Rose, along with their public appearances together, suggests that the claims were unfounded.