Who Is Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley?
Several years ago, a story surfaced in the British tabloids claiming that Kate Middleton had a falling out with her Norfolk neighbor, Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
A piece in the Sun, which has since been taken down, went so far as to call Rose Kate's "rural rival," but the Daily Mail's Richard Kay reports that the story is false, and both women "have considered legal action but, because none of the reports have been able to offer any evidence about what the so-called dispute is about, they have chosen to ignore it."
The Marchioness of Cholmondeley has since been seen publicly with the Cambridges on more than one occasion, including the service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
In April 2023, it was announced that her son Oliver will be a page at King Charles's funeral.
The Duchess of Cambridge is no stranger to rumors about her personal life. Over the past few years, there have been numerous stories suggesting that she and her new sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex, don't get along. Or, at least aren't the instant best friends many royal fans hoped they would be.
And then in March 2019, The Sun claimed that Kate had another "rival," Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. But the Daily Mail was quick to debunk the speculation, with Richard Kay even reporting that both women "have considered legal action but, because none of the reports have been able to offer any evidence about what the so-called dispute is about, they have chosen to ignore it."
Either way, the women seem to be on good terms, as they have since been seen publicly together, including attending church together in Sandringham.
Rose was also seen at the memorial service for Prince Philip in spring 2022, as well as the funeral for Queen Elizabeth later that year.
And in April 2023, it was announced that Rose's son Oliver will be one of the pages at King Charles's coronation, alongside Prince George, among others.
Rumored royal rift aside, here's what else we know about Hanbury.
She's married to the David Rocksavage, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley.
Rose and David wed at Chelsea Town Hall in 2009 after a very brief engagement. According to Hello, "in June 2009 the couple announced their engagement, the next day it was revealed they were expecting and just a day later they tied the knot."
David and Rose have three children together.
Their family includes twin boys Alexander and Oliver, and a younger daughter named Iris.
The family lives at Houghton Hall in Norfolk.
The home, which was built in the 1700s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, is located just a few miles away from Will and Kate's home, Anmer Hall. Given their proximity to one another the couples reportedly run in the same social circle, a group hilariously known as the "Turnip toffs" by British media.
Should you be interested in visiting the property, it's open on select days from May through September.
Rose is a former fashion model.
She reportedly had a contract with Storm, the agency which notably discovered Kate Moss. Rose also previously worked as a researcher for Tory MP Michael Gove.
She has numerous royal connections.
In addition to her friendship with William and Kate, Rose's grandmother and namesake Lady Rose Lambert was a bridesmaid in Queen Elizabeth's wedding to Prince Philip.
Following the rumors that she and Kate had a falling out, she's been photographed at royal events on multiple occasions.
She attended the banquet in honor of President Trump's state visit to the U.K., and was seated somewhat near William and Kate. And in January of 2020, she was photographed at church in Sandringham with the Cambridges.
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