Who Is Rose Hanbury? Prince William's Alleged Affair Partner - Her Husband, Family And Is She Royalty?

Amid renewed whispers of an affair with Prince William, Rose Hanbury remains an enigmatic figure in British aristocracy. The Marchioness of Cholmondeley, 41, is married to David Cholmondeley and lives at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, close to the Wales family's Anmer Hall. She has denied the rumours, stating 'the rumours are completely false'.

Her family has long ties to the monarchy, fuelling curiosity about her background, husband, family, and if she is royalty. This comes as speculations persist into 2026.

Family Background

Rose Hanbury was born Sarah Rose Hanbury on 15 March 1984 to Timothy Hanbury, a website designer, and Emma Hanbury, a fashion designer. She is the middle child, with older sister Marina, who married Edward Lambton, 7th Earl of Durham in 2009 with a 20-year age gap, and younger brother David, married to Anouska d'Abo, linking to Swedish royalty through family.

Her maternal grandmother, Lady Elizabeth Lambart, was a bridesmaid at Queen Elizabeth II's 1947 wedding, underscoring early royal connections. Hanbury attended Stowe School and the Open University.

She modeled for Storm agency from age 23 and researched for Michael Gove. Recently, reports suggest she continues interior design as a side hustle. The family's aristocratic marriages are a recurring theme, with age gaps a common feature.

Recently, reports suggest she continues interior design as a side venture. The family's aristocratic marriages are a recurring theme, with age gaps a common feature. Growing up in Essex at Holfield Grange, Coggeshall, she experienced a creative, unconventional household that encouraged individuality and social connections.

Marriage and Husband

Hanbury met David Cholmondeley, then 43, in 2003 at a party in Italy, and the pair began dating in 2006. Their engagement was announced in June 2009, and they married two days later on 24 June at Chelsea Town Hall.

They have twin sons Alexander and Oliver born in October 2009, and daughter Iris born in March 2016. In 1990, David inherited an estate valued at approximately £112 million, which includes the historic Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire. Houghton Hall, their home, is a Palladian mansion on 1,000 acres near Sandringham.

David is Lord-in-Waiting to King Charles III, attending state events. The hall hosts art exhibitions, showing their cultural engagement. The couple maintains a low-profile family life focused on the estate, where the children enjoy the extensive grounds. In 2014, David co-authored a monograph on Houghton Hall published by Rizzoli, highlighting its historical significance and collections.

Is Rose Hanbury Royalty?

Hanbury is not royalty by birth but a peeress through marriage as Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Her title positions her in nobility. Her family's links to the monarchy span generations, including her grandmother's role in Queen Elizabeth II's wedding. The Cholmondeleys have long served the crown. She attended King Charles's 2023 coronation, with son Oliver as page of honour. Living near Anmer Hall has built social ties with the Wales, though recent events have tested them.

The affair allegations surfaced in 2019 from a reported fallout with the Princess of Wales. Radar Online on X highlighted Kate's efforts to phase Hanbury out due to jealousy.

An insider said 'Kate was devastated by the rumours' and sought counseling. As of January 2026, the speculation endures, with no official palace response, keeping Rose Hanbury in the public eye.