Queen Camilla was spotted “hanging out” with Lady Rose Hanbury, the alleged mistress of her eldest stepson, Prince William, during the Badminton Horse Trials. Images of the two sparked heated reactions from social media users who questioned the ladies’ motives. All this comes amid the Prince and Princess of Wales going through a rough time.
Lady Rose Hanbury, Charlotte Tilbury and Queen Camilla having a conversation during the Badminton Horse Trials in Badminton, Gloucestershire on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This year’s Badminton Horse Trials was one for the books; the event saw some intriguing moments take place. During the elite occasion, Queen Camilla was seen being chummy with the Prince of Wales’ rumored mistress, Lady Rose Hanbury.
Photos that have surfaced online show the Queen in a blue flowy dress chatting away with Rose, who adorned a blue blazer. British entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, who rocked a floral-print dress, also joined in on their conversation.
Lady Rose Hanbury, Charlotte Tilbury and Queen Camilla having a conversation during the Badminton Horse Trials in Badminton, Gloucestershire on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Social media users could not believe their eyes when they saw the pictures and took to online platforms to express themselves. While some questioned why the Queen and Rose were spending some time together, others felt their encounter was distasteful, given all the turmoil the British royal family has found themselves in, especially where Kate Middleton is concerned.
Lady Rose Hanbury during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
“Why is Rose Hanbury hanging out with Camilla??? #WhereIsKateMiddleton,” pondered an inquisitive user. Another X user who felt particularly strongly about the matter wrote, “Williams mistress just casually hanging out with Camilla, ai generated videos of Kate Middleton who hasn’t been credibly seen since dec 28 2023 yeah there is something dark happening right in front of us. This is insane.”
Queen Camilla, Kate Middleton and King Charles III at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on December 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, someone else noted, “The head side chic Camilla was out and about soft launching the other side chic Rose Hanbury at a game while Kate is missing.”
“Watch the signs within the present royal family, it was covered up about Diana, now watch the fatal steps the monarchy are about to make to expose their diligence [in] bringing Rose into the fold. I believe Camilla made a very serious mistake while Kate is missing,” perceived a user.
Lady Rose Hanbury attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in King’s Lynn, England on January 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Echoing the narrative concerning Kate and her whereabouts, another X user asked, “Does Kate know? 😮” Although most asserted that something fishy must be going on within royal folds, one commentator came to Queen Camilla’s defense stating, “Camilla has been buddies with Rose for years!”
Queen Camilla at the Badminton Horse Trials in Badminton, Gloucestershire on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Though many are free to have their opinions on the current ongoings of the royal family, some of the assertions made about Queen Camilla, Rose Hanbury, Prince William, and Kate Middleton still reside in the realm of speculation. What is known, however, is the fact that life has been challenging for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance in London, England on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Designer and dresser for Prince William and Kate’s children, Amaia Arrieta, recently commented on their adversities. “I’m heartbroken at the moment, I think they are going through hell, I hope they will be back. It’s really personal,” expressed Amaia.
Kate Middleton and Prince William during the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
It’s currently all hands on deck within the Wales household as according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, “For William, everything hinges on Kate’s well-being.” Given her health status, Prince William has stepped up to put his family first and ensure their support and welfare, particularly where Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are concerned.
In addition to looking after them, Prince William has also been spotted spending time with his children, like when he and Prince George were spotted enjoying a soccer match together back in April. However, this father-son moment was overshadowed by the resurgence of the affair allegations regarding Prince William and Rose.
Prince William and Prince George at the Aston Villa and Lille OSC match in Birmingham, England on April 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Prince of Wales was watching the UEFA quarterfinal match between Aston Villa and Lille OSC at Villa Park with his son when eagle-eyed spectators also noticed the appearance of one of Rose’s sons and had a few things to say. One person wrote, “The boy on the right is Rose’s son, the same boy from the coronation.“ Another added, “His wife had cancer, and he’s enjoying a match with his mistress’s son.”
Prince William and Prince George at the Aston Villa and Lille OSC match in Birmingham, England on April 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Speculation about Rose’s son’s attendance continued on X, with one netizen emphasizing, “He’s right there with them. #blendedfamily.” More people shared the same sentiments, “Not exactly the father-son duo. William brought Rose Hanbury’s son along with him too,” Another X user asked, “And his other son?”
Prince William and Prince George at the Aston Villa and Lille OSC match in Birmingham, England on April 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, in the midst of speculative comments, some people commended the Prince of Wales for taking his son out to watch the match. “Prince William is an incredible father,” gushed a commenter, with another adding, “Now that’s how a real father spends time with his son. Just saying.”
The aforementioned conjecture is not the first time the public has made comments highlighting the relationship Prince William has had with Rose, as it has been analyzed by online users for a long time. The unprecedented attention Rose has been getting regarding her alleged affair with Prince William also ignited a new wave of intrigue and interest in her personal life.
Lady Rose Hanbury at Sotheby’s annual summer party in London, England on June 6, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Everything from her engagement at 25; a pregnancy announcement, and her marriage to David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, which all took place in just three days, was thrust back into the limelight. A writer for a well-known news outlet chronicled the whirlwind series of events in 2009.
According to the article, Rose and David’s engagement was swiftly followed by an announcement from Rose’s mother, Emma Hanbury, that her daughter was expecting twins.
Lady Rose Hanbury and David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley attending the Sunday Church Service at Sandringham in King’s Lynn, England on January 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Almost immediately after this announcement circulated in public spheres, the couple married in a discreet ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall. There were no photographs from their engagement or wedding shared which added an air of mystery to their union.
David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley and Lady Rose Hanbury at the The Serpentine Gallery summer party in London, England on July 2, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from her husband, with whom she shares twin sons Alexander, Earl of Rocksavage and Oliver, Lord Cholmondeley and daughter Lady Iris, Rose’s familial background is rich in connections to the British royal family.