The Prince of Wales’ rumored mistress was recently spotted wearing the same hat his wife owns and has been seen in before. This has sparked a heated discourse online among social media users who have called the ordeal “disturbing.” Adding to the drama is the fact that Lady Rose Hanbury’s son was seen at the same event where his mom wore Kate Middleton’s hat.
Lady Rose Hanbury at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In British royal news, a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire took place yesterday and the guest list included someone who has been cast in a controversial spotlight in recent times. Lady Rose Hanbury, the alleged mistress of Prince William, attended the event.
Lady Rose Hanbury at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Her husband, David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, joined Rose at the ceremony. However, what was of particular interest to the public was not who she went with but what she was wearing.
David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and Lady Rose Hanbury at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
For the event, Rose adorned a light pink and green Lorinda Skirt designed by Emilia Wickstead, which is currently retailing at $873.14 (£690) online, and paired it with a black top, jacket, and black heels. But the clothing item that stole the show was her black-brimmed hat.
Lady Rose Hanbury at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The $500.01 (£395) Tiffany Drop-Brim Hat—inspired by “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”—is the same one Kate Middleton was spotted wearing three years ago. Prince William’s wife wore a Tiffany Drop-Brim Hat for the annual National Service of Remembrance, which took place in London on November 14, 2021.
Kate Middleton at the National Service of Remembrance in London, England on November 14, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
As a result of the aforementioned fact and the recent photos showing Rose with the same hat, the public has taken to online platforms to express their opinions on the matter. Many believe that the situation surpasses being a mere coincidence.
David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and Lady Rose Hanbury at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Pointing out the fact that Rose was seen at the event, in Kate’s hat, during a time when Kate is thought to be MIA (Missing in Action), an X user wrote, “As Kate Middleton is still missing, Rose Hanbury is seen more and more at Royal events like today’s Order of the British Empire Ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The fashion girlies are also hinting that Rose is trolling Kate by dressing in her clothes.”
Others commented on how bizarre and eerie the situation comes across. “It’s very strange!” exclaimed a social media user, while another said, “This is disturbing.” “God [sees] what’s happening!” warned someone else.
Kate Middleton at the National Service of Remembrance in London, England on November 14, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Another X user stated, “This is starting to become interesting…” Continuing with the sleuth energy, an eagle-eyed onlooker highlighted, “She was recently seen with Camilla at the Badminton Horse Trials. Seems they’re normalizing Rose being in the royal fold…”
Based on additional photos showing the other attendees at the prestigious event, it appears as though Rose is not the only one being brought deeper into “the royal fold.”
Lady Rose Hanbury, Prince William and Kate Middleton during a gala dinner in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ nook appeal in King’s Lynn, England on June 22, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
One of Rose’s sons, Oliver Cholmondeley, attended the ceremony as the Page of Honour to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Several photos show the young boy trailing behind the King and Queen of England while holding the King’s cape.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, and Oliver Cholmondeley at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Like the online stir his mother caused with her attire, Oliver’s appearance at the event sparked another barrage of comments from social media users. “First Rose is attending events […] and now her son is being pushed to the forefront. #softlaunch,” asserted a user.
Oliver Cholmondeley at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone else who felt particularly strongly on the matter, penned a lengthy message, citing, “Why did King Charles and Queen Camilla not include Prince William’s oldest son, Prince George, in today’s ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral? The role of carrying the King’s robe goes solely to the line of succession.”
Oliver Cholmondeley, King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The same social media user continued, “Instead it’s the son of Rose Hanbury- Prince William’s rumored mistress? He is older than Prince George and has been a pageboy more than any other child in the [Royal] Family. If he is indeed the illegitimate son of William, he is ineligible from the line of succession but could still inherit insurmountable wealth, money, status and titles.”
Oliver Cholmondeley, King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, a fan page for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tweeted, “The boy that carried [Charles’] robe today is none other than Rose Hanbury’s son! 🤭 And don’t forget that just two days ago, she was spotted giggling with Camilla […] I don’t usually buy into gossip, but this plot is thickening by the minute! 🍿”
Oliver Cholmondeley and King Charles III at the Order of The British Empire ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As several observers pointed out, not only has Rose been seen at various recent royal events, but she has now also been spotted hanging out with senior royal Queen Camilla. Pictures of their pleasant conversation at the Badminton Horse Trials only added fuel to the fire concerning the recent public backlash the royal family has faced.
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
Photos showed 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 is concerned.
“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.