WHY IS WILLIAM & KATE’S CLOSE FRIEND, ROSE HANBURY, AT THE CENTER OF DISCUSSION, AND WHO IS SHE?

Rumors regarding Prince William’s alleged affair have proliferated online, with many speculating about Rose Hanbury’s involvement. Once considered a mere family friend, she is now the subject of suspicion as a potential homewrecker.

Amid Kate Middleton’s absence from public view due to her recovery from abdominal surgery, speculations about Prince William’s fidelity have surfaced. As these rumors circulate globally, royal enthusiasts are scrutinizing the persona of the purported mistress.

Known among aristocrats as Lady Rose Hanbury, she holds the title of Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Her longstanding ties to the British Royal Family stem from her affluent family’s esteemed position in British high society. Married to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, the couple resides together and raises three children at their estate.

The friendship between Prince William’s and Rose Hanbury’s families has endured for years. However, recent scrutiny arose after the release of a photo featuring Prince William purportedly riding in a car with his wife, Kate Middleton. Despite this, royal enthusiasts cast doubt on the identity of the woman beside Prince William.

The woman’s head is turned away from the cameras in the photo, a behavior unlike that of Princess Catherine, who typically faces the cameras boldly. Moreover, she appears to be gazing at a brick wall, a detail that fans have contested.

Comments from users reflected skepticism about the woman’s identity, with some suggesting that the woman could be Rose Hanbury, Prince William’s alleged mistress, rather than Kate Middleton. Others questioned the authenticity of the photo, speculating that it might be a photoshopped composite of Kate Middleton from another image.

Although the agency that captured the photo, Goff Photos, affirmed its authenticity, stating that the images were cropped and lightened but not doctored, speculation about the alleged affair persisted. Even Stephen Colbert addressed the situation in a comedy sketch on national American television, highlighting the ongoing rumors.

For those unfamiliar with the Royal Family, Rose Hanbury may appear as a newcomer to the royal stage. However, she has been intertwined with the lives of Prince William and Kate for quite some time.

Their families’ close relationship was evident in their attendance at a gala dinner in June 2016 to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Despite the apparent camaraderie captured in photos, certain images from the event sparked controversy among fans, fueling speculation about underlying tensions.

Their continued association was observed in 2020 when Rose Hanbury and her husband were invited to celebrate Kate’s 38th birthday at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, indicating the ongoing presence of their families in each other’s lives.

Rose Hanbury and her family are known to be close friends of the Prince and Princess of Wales, residing just three miles from Anmer Hall, the royal couple’s residence. Lady Rose Cholmondeley, along with her husband and children, lives at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, while the Prince and Princess of Wales reside at Anmer Hall.

The couple welcomed twin sons, Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley, in October 2009. Later, in 2016, they had a daughter named Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley.

Currently, swirling rumors suggest Prince William may have had an affair, with Rose Hanbury at the center of speculation. Despite the rumors, Rose Hanbury continues to focus on her roles as a wife, mother, and prominent figure in aristocratic circles.

As speculation persists, any appearances by Rose Hanbury at royal events garner further attention. Prince William’s recent public appearances without his wedding ring have fueled the rumors.

In a notable incident on March 12, 2024, Prince William was photographed alongside his stepmother, Queen Camilla, at a royal event. However, observers quickly noticed that Prince William was not wearing his wedding ring. This observation sparked discussions and concerns among royal enthusiasts on social media platforms.

Similarly, in a recent family photo shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account, Princess Catherine was seen without her wedding ring. This absence prompted speculation and questions from followers about the state of the royal couple’s marriage.

Despite these observations, Prince William and Princess Catherine have made public appearances together, including being photographed in a car. These sightings have reignited speculation and scrutiny about their relationship status.

Fans of the royal family have closely analyzed every detail of their public outings, drawing comparisons to past royal dramas and expressing concern about the state of their marriage. The ongoing speculation reflects the enduring fascination with the British Royal Family and its members’ personal lives.

Secret Santa Asks Single Mom on a Date, but His True Identity Changes Everything — Story of the Day

I never imagined a simple Christmas wish would turn my world upside down. But when it led me to a date with Santa, followed by unexpected secrets and a jealous friend’s schemes, I was entangled in surprises I never saw coming.

The shopping mall sparkled like something out of a fairytale. Thousands of lights twinkled across every corner, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon.

I glanced down at my four-year-old son, Oliver, and couldn’t help but smile. He adored Christmas. His eyes held a childlike wonder and belief in all the little magical moments that made the season so special.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Raising Oliver on my own had been both a challenge and a gift. We had each other, and I tried to make his childhood as warm and bright as possible, even when life got tough.

He was that part of my heart that kept me grounded, reminding me that joy could be found in even the smallest things. We were a team, always cheering each other on. As we strolled through the crowds, Oliver suddenly stopped.

“Mom, look! It’s Santa!”

He pointed eagerly to the big red-suited figure sitting on a golden chair, surrounded by a line of children.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He looked up at me, his face beaming with hope. “Can we go talk to him? Please?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” I replied, smiling down at him as we took our place in line. Oliver fidgeted in excitement, looking up at me with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

“I have something really important to tell him, Mom,” he whispered, clutching my hand tightly.

“Something special?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He nodded, his face serious. Whatever he wanted to say, it meant a lot to him. Finally, Oliver approached Santa, glancing back at me before leaning in close to whisper to him.

I couldn’t hear the words, but I saw Santa’s eyes soften, his expression shifting to a kind and gentle smile as he listened. After their moment together, I bent down to Oliver, curiosity bubbling up.

“So,” I asked softly, brushing a lock of his hair from his face. “What did you tell Santa?”

“I can’t tell you, Mom,” Oliver whispered, grinning. “If I tell you, it might not come true!”

I laughed, nodding. “Alright, alright. Well, since you’re keeping secrets, how about we go grab a burger to share? I’m starving.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He practically jumped with excitement. “Yes! Can I get fries, too?”

“Fries? Of course,” I replied, holding his hand as we made our way to the food court.

As we settled in and started digging into our food, I caught a flash of red from the corner of my eye. Turning, I saw Santa himself standing by our table and holding an ice cream.

“Would you two mind if I joined you for a while?” he asked, looking between us.

Oliver looked up at me. “Can he, Mom? Can he?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course,” I said, smiling at Santa. “Please, join us.”

Santa pulled up a chair and sat down across from Oliver, who stared at him with awe.

“So, Oliver,” Santa began, leaning in as if to share a secret, “what’s your favorite Christmas treat?”

“Oh, that’s easy! Chocolate chip cookies! Especially the big ones Mom makes.”

Santa chuckled, licking his ice cream. “Sounds like your mom knows what she’s doing. I have to agree—chocolate chip cookies are hard to beat.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Oliver nodded. “And what’s your favorite, Santa?”

“Oh, now that’s a tough question,” Santa replied, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “I think… hot cocoa, with a mountain of ice cream on top.”

I felt a warm smile spread across my face, watching how easily he connected with Oliver. We spent a while like that, laughing and chatting.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

After we finished eating, Santa turned to me with a gentle smile. “How about a little more holiday fun?”

Oliver’s eyes widened. “Like, at the amusement park?”

Santa grinned. “Exactly! How about some ice skating?”

Oliver turned to me, practically buzzing. “Mom, please! Can we?”

I couldn’t resist his enthusiasm. “Alright, let’s go!”

At the rink, Oliver held tightly onto both our hands, wobbling on his skates as we took our first few laps.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Santa’s hearty laughter echoed, steady and joyful, each time Oliver let out a triumphant cheer after staying upright.

“You’re doing great, Oliver!” Santa said, giving him an encouraging smile.

Oliver beamed. “I feel like I’m flying!”

As the evening continued, we wandered through paths lined with sparkling lights, gazing up at reindeer, snowflakes, and candy canes glowing against the night sky.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Oliver skipped ahead, and I couldn’t help but notice how Santa kept his costume on the whole time, staying completely in character.

“Thank you for tonight,” I said softly to Santa when Oliver was busy watching a display of twinkling stars. “It means the world to him… and to me.”

“It’s my pleasure. Tonight has been a gift for me too.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Eventually, the time came for us to head home. Santa walked us the whole way, keeping Oliver entertained with little stories about life at the North Pole. As we reached our front door, Santa knelt, looking into Oliver’s eyes.

“I’ll do my very best to make your wish come true,” he said, giving Oliver a wink.

“Thank you, Santa! You’re the best.”

Before I could say a word, he took my hand, and with a gentle, sincere look, he lifted it to his lips, pressing a warm kiss on my knuckles. As he walked away, his red coat blending into the soft glow of streetlights, I felt a flutter of happiness and warmth.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

Days went by, and although I kept myself busy, I couldn’t shake that evening with Santa from my mind. I didn’t fully understand it, but I felt drawn back to the mall, maybe just to see him one more time.

As I wandered the holiday displays, I suddenly heard a familiar voice.

“Laura? Is that you?”

I turned and found myself face-to-face with Mia, an old childhood friend.

“Mia! Wow, it’s been ages!” I hugged her, delighted.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, that’s true!” she replied. “Let’s catch up over coffee.”

We settled in, and before I knew it, I was telling her all about that night with Santa—how he’d been so kind to Oliver and how, well… I’d felt something special.

Mia’s eyes widened. “Laura, this is amazing! You have to find out who this Santa really is.”

“Oh, Mia. He’s probably just someone doing his holiday job.”

She nudged me. “Look! He’s right over there. Go say hi!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Before I could stop her, Mia gave me a gentle push toward Santa. Blushing, I looked over, and… Santa noticed me and waved.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite family from the other night,” he said, smiling warmly as he approached.

“Hi,” I replied.

“Would you like to go out for coffee with me sometime?”

A date with Santa?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Sure.”

When I turned to share my excitement with Mia, I saw she’d disappeared into a nearby clothing store.

***

That evening, a courier arrived at my door with a small card. It was an invitation, in neat handwriting, for a Christmas Eve date at a cozy café. My heart leaped with nerves. I quickly called Mia.

“Should I go? It’s Christmas Eve.”

“Laura, you’d be crazy not to! You can still be home with Oliver afterward. This is your chance!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her words stayed with me, filling me with courage. I dressed up, arranged for Oliver’s nanny to stay with him, and headed off for my Christmas Eve date.

***

That evening, I arrived at the café full of excitement and quiet hope. I was pleasantly surprised! He was handsome, charming, and carried himself with an easy grace.

For a moment, I felt like a character in one of those holiday romance movies, swept away by a little Christmas magic. But minutes later, my gaze landed on a glint of metal on his left hand. A wedding ring!

“So… are you… married?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Yes,” he replied nonchalantly, as if we were discussing the weather. “But they’re away for the holidays. A little fun never hurt anyone, right?”

I felt my face heat up. “Excuse me?”

“No need to look so serious.”

Without another word, I grabbed my coat and bag and hurried out of the café, barely holding back tears. What had started as a night full of promise had soured so quickly.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I walked through the city streets, the chill air and bright lights doing nothing to lift my spirits. When I finally walked home, Oliver’s face lit up.

“Mom! Santa’s here! Look!”

My breath caught as I looked over and saw… our Santa from the mall!

“How dare you!” I snapped. “You’ve ruined enough for one night. Get out. And stay away from us.”

Santa stormed off, and Oliver ran off upstairs, his disappointment clear.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The nanny shook her head. “He spent the whole day making Oliver happy… maybe that’s worth something.”

I was confused and ashamed.

But if he’d been here all day, then who was at the café?

***

Overwhelmed with suspicion and regret, I set off to Mia’s house, determined to get answers. When I arrived and saw a man in a Santa costume standing outside, I stopped short. He wasn’t the one I’d met at the café.

“Oh, God…” I whispered.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I kicked out the wrong Santa! But with the costume, who could’ve known?

I stepped closer. The man with a sad smile was watching a young boy playing in the yard.

“My name’s Jack,” he explained. “This is… well, this is my son’s home.”

I felt my heart sink as I put the pieces together. “Your son?”

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the boy.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Mia’s my ex-wife. She doesn’t allow me to see him often. Playing Santa was my only chance to maybe… hold him if he came to make a wish.”

I gasped. “You’re the Santa from the mall! The one who spent the evening with us?”

“That’s me. Mia found out and came over, demanding more child support. That’s when she must have run into you.”

“Oh my god! She set me up! She must have sent that awful man to the café to make sure I’d never see you again.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Jack sighed. “Mia gave me an ultimatum. Either I return to her, or she’ll cut me off from my son for good.”

“She did all this because she was jealous? That’s… that’s horrible!”

“After she threatened me, I thought I’d at least come spend Christmas Eve with you and Oliver.” He looked up, his eyes earnest. “I haven’t felt so happy in years as I did that night with you both.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t know what to say. Everything I’d assumed was wrong. Finally, I managed, “I’m sorry, Jack. I… I should trust my heart.”

“It’s okay. The night isn’t over yet.”

We picked up Oliver and went to Jack’s home, where he’d prepared a beautiful holiday feast, a tree lit with warm lights, and gifts waiting under it.

That night became a true holiday filled with laughter, warmth, and the family joy we’d all been missing.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: When I arrived to support my friend after she split up with a con man, I never imagined I’d be caught in a web of deception myself. Her tears and the details of her betrayal filled me with sympathy, but little did I know this visit would change my life forever. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to [email protected].

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