Rose Hanbury, the former British model also known as Sarah Rose Hanbury, has unequivocally refuted allegations of an affair with Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.
In a statement conveyed to Business Insider by Hanbury's legal representatives, she categorically denied any romantic involvement with the second-in-line to the British throne. "The rumors circulating about an affair between Rose Hanbury and Prince William are entirely unfounded and false," her lawyers stated.
While Hanbury has firmly debunked the rumors, Kensington Palace has chosen to remain silent, refraining from commenting on the alleged relationship between Prince William, 41, and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
Speculations surrounding Hanbury's supposed affair with Prince William gained traction on social media and were further amplified by notable celebrities and media outlets. The rumors resurfaced prominently after Stephen Colbert mentioned the model during his opening monologue on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" on March 12.
Addressing Kate Middleton's recent absence following the holidays, Colbert touched upon the alleged affair, saying, "There's been much speculation about Kate Middleton's sudden withdrawal from public view. Internet theorists are suggesting that her absence might be linked to rumors about her husband, Prince William, having an affair."
Colbert continued, "The name that keeps popping up in connection with these rumors is Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Allegations of a romantic involvement between William and Hanbury have been circulating since 2019. Tabloids claimed that when confronted by Kate about these rumors, William dismissed them as baseless."
Despite the widespread speculation and media coverage, Hanbury's legal team's statement stands as a firm denial of any affair between her and Prince William.
