"Rumors are false"

Rose Hanbury denies affair with Prince William

William and Kate in conversation with Rose Hanbury, with whom they have been friends for years.

(Bild: Stephen Pond / PA / picturedesk.com)

Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, denies any rumors of an affair with Prince William, the heir to the British throne.

The 40-year-old ex-model had her lawyers release a statement to "Business Insider" in which she denies any impropriety between her and the prince.

"Rumors are completely false"
"The rumors are completely false," Hanbury's lawyers reportedly stated.

Hanbury's name has been linked on social media in recent weeks by conspiracy theorists looking for Princess Kate Middleton ("Katespiracy") as well as by some celebrities and media outlets to rumors of a forbidden love affair in the late 2010s.

Sarah Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley leaving Westminster Abbey after Charles' coronation.

(Bild: ROTA / Camera Press / picturedesk.com)

Harry interviewer speaks out about affair
She received particular attention recently after US talk show host Stephen Colbert mentioned her by name in his opening monologue last week. On his show, 59-year-old Colbert discussed Kate's sudden disappearance after the holidays, which the palace attributed to an operation in January. In doing so, he picked up on the theory surrounding Hanbury.

"The kingdom is in turmoil over the apparent disappearance of Kate Middleton. Now Internet detectives are suggesting that Kate's absence could be linked to her husband, the future King of England, William, and an affair," the late-night comedian said on the March 12 episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."

"I think we all know who the alleged mistress is, say it with me: the Marchioness of Cholmondeley," continued Colbert, who has already hosted Prince Harry.

Prince Harry on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"

(Bild: www.youtube.com/The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)

Rumors intensified
Since Colbert's not-so-subtle reference to the wife of David Rocksavage, the 63-year-old Marquess of Cholmondeley, the rumors and speculation have only intensified. The couple have three children together: twins Alexander and Oliver (14) and Iris (8).

The Cholmondeley family belong to the same social circle as William and Kate. Son Oliver was even a Page of Honor at the coronation of William's father, King Charles III, in May 2023.

Oliver Cholmondeley, Prince George, Nicholas Barclay and Ralph Tollemache

(Bild: APA/Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

Photos from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony show the boy smiling alongside the royal couple and their eldest son, ten-year-old Prince George. Kate and William also have Princess Charlotte (8) and Prince Louis (5).