As King Charles III prepares for his coronation on April 29, his choice of a new Lord-in-Waiting has reignited speculation about an old scandal involving his son, Prince William, and a former friend of his wife, Kate Middleton.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe new Lord-in-Waiting is David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, a descendant of Britain’s first prime minister and a long-serving royal courtier. He is also the husband of Rose Hanbury, a former model and socialite who has been at the center of rumors that she had an affair with Prince William.
The rumors first surfaced in 2019, when British tabloids reported that Kate Middleton had fallen out with Rose Hanbury and wanted her “phased out” of their social circle. Some sources claimed that the reason for the rift was that Kate had discovered that William had been unfaithful with Rose while she was pregnant with their third child.
The royal family has never commented on the allegations, which have been denied by both Prince William and Rose Hanbury. However, the rumors resurfaced earlier this year, when a documentary series about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle suggested that Harry had accused his brother of lying to protect himself from a scandal.
The appointment of David Cholmondeley as Lord-in-Waiting, a role that involves attending official events and representing the monarch in his absence, has raised eyebrows among royal watchers, who wonder if it is a sign of reconciliation or a snub.
Some see it as a gesture of goodwill from King Charles III, who may want to mend fences with his son and daughter-in-law after their strained relationship over Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties. Others see it as a way of demoting David Cholmondeley, who previously held the title of Lord Great Chamberlain, a more senior position that gave him authority over Buckingham Palace.
Regardless of the intention behind the appointment, it is likely to bring more attention to the alleged affair and put more pressure on Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage. The couple, who will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on April 29, have been trying to project an image of stability and happiness amid the turmoil within the royal family.
However, sources close to the couple say that they are “furious” and “hurt” by the rumors and have instructed their lawyers to take legal action against any media outlets that publish the claims. They also say that they have a strong and loving relationship and are focused on their three children and their royal duties.
The coronation of King Charles III, which will be the first in 70 years, is expected to be a momentous occasion for the British monarchy and the nation. However, it may also be overshadowed by the controversy over Prince William’s alleged affair and the ongoing fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The royal family has not issued any official statement on the appointment of David Cholmondeley as Lord-in-Waiting or the rumors of Prince William’s affair with Rose Hanbury. However, royal insiders say that the situation is tense and awkward, especially as the coronation draws near. Whether the scandal will affect the public perception of the monarchy and its future remains to be seen.