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In 2019, speculation began to circulate claiming that Prince William had been unfaithful to Kate Middleton with Rose Hanbury — a woman who was not only part of their elite social circle but also considered close to the Princess of Wales. While the couple chose not to address the claims publicly, questions remained about what was truly happening between William and Kate away from the spotlight.
A royal source later suggested that Kate’s private response to the rumors was much more intense than the public ever realized.
Rumors of William’s alleged infidelity spread widely in 2019
William was allegedly involved in a long-term relationship with Rose, although no solid evidence was ever publicly presented to confirm the claims. Despite this, the rumors resurfaced in 2022 when the celebrity gossip Instagram account Deux Moi shared a reader submission that claimed to offer further insight.
The message, later cited by In Touch Weekly, stated: “This British royal’s extramarital affair is an open secret in London and among the English artisto crowd, and it’s the subject of conversation at nearly every party and newsroom.” It continued: “At a recent media gathering, I was told the true reason behind the affair was the royal’s interest in pegging — something his wife is said to be far too traditional to participate in.”
An insider now claims that Kate was “devastated.”
A royal source told Radar Online that Kate was so “devastated” by the rumors that she and William reportedly turned to couples therapy in an effort to protect their relationship.
The insider claimed: “Since the affair rumors first emerged in 2019, Kate and William have undergone counseling, and while their marriage can be difficult at times, it’s clear they have no plans to separate anytime soon.”
At the height of the speculation, Kate is also said to have demanded that Rose be “phased out” of the royal social circle — a move that would be understandable, as continuing to see Rose at events alongside William would only intensify the rumors, regardless of whether they were true.
Rose was never fully excluded from the royal circle, however.
In fact, she was present at King Charles’s 2023 coronation, which only fueled further speculation about what may have been happening behind closed doors within the royal family at the time.
When the rumors first emerged, Rose released a statement through her lawyers insisting the claims were “completely false,” and there’s no indication that she has ever changed that position.
Between the persistent rumors, the Queen’s death, the cancer diagnoses of Kate and Charles, and the ongoing Prince Andrew controversy, the past few years have been extraordinarily stressful for the royals. And frankly, it’s hard to fault Kate if she never wanted to see that woman again.
