After Princess Catherine of Wales recently announced that she was battling a health issue, fans began responding to the news on social media. While there were some fans who expressed genuine care and concern for the princess, there were others who developed their own theories about what is going on within the royal family.
Princess Catherine at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine at Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity in Moray, Scotland on November 02, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine recently announced that she had been battling a cancer diagnosis after being notably absent from the public eye since January. The princess asked for privacy as she dealth with this challenge. The public’s reaction to this news has been a mixture of compassion, speculation, and some suspicion, leading to a series of rumors about the state of her marriage to Prince William.
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the “The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance” ceremony at Royal Albert Hall, in London, on November 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity in Moray, Scotland on November 02, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Social media has been particularly abuzz with chatter, where one tweet starkly stated, “Now I know they’re getting a divorce. they’re probably already separated on paper.” The absence of Prince William at Princess Catherine’s side during the announcement seemed to strike a chord with the public.
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
The royal family has been accused of withholding the truth, with comments about the situation ranging from concern to outright disbelief. Responses to the initial tweet echoed these sentiments, with phrases like “Kate had marital problems” and “valid point” surfacing amongst the conversation.
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Grange Pavilion to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at a a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023 in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025’s One Year To Go Winter Training Camp on February 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The conjecture took a personal turn when individuals contrasted the behavior of Prince William with that of his brother, Harry. Observers pointed out that if Meghan Markle were in a similar situation, Harry would likely be right there, offering his hand for her to hold. The debate grew as people shared their observations, “it’s weird” that William was not by her side, which they believe most husbands would be in such circumstances.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025’s One Year To Go Winter Training Camp on February 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at a a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023 in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images
These online discussions quickly escalated as the public attempted to piece together the narrative, with another individual stating, that if Princess Catherine was well enough to sit down to give a statement about her health, she must also be well enough to sit down to take a photo with her husband. The commenter concluded that the entire statement was a facade for something else.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine before the The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on December 05, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The X conversation was sparked after a CNN video surfaced showing a doctor talking about Princess Catherine’s condition. Anderson Cooper, conducting the interview with the doctor, asked how it was possible for Princess Catherine to get a cancer diagnosis after undergoing surgery.
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The doctor began by saying that the press release “doesn’t make a lot of medical sense,” saying that when someone goes in for a major surgery, such as the surgery Princess Catherine underwent in January, they typically didn’t go back under the knife for “exploratory surgery.”
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a ceremonial welcome, at Horse Guards Parade, for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea on day 1 of their state visit on November 21, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a ceremonial welcome, at Horse Guards Parade, for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea on day 1 of their state visit on November 21, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The doctor also shared that all of the surgeries that Princess Catherine would have undergone would have been preceded by “extensive imaging” like CAT scans and MRIs. This imaging would have given Princess Catherine’s surgical team a good understanding of her health status and how they were going to handle it, which would then be confirmed by pathologists.
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a ceremonial welcome, at Horse Guards Parade, for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea on day 1 of their state visit on November 21, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a ceremonial welcome, at Horse Guards Parade, for the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea on day 1 of their state visit on November 21, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William at a a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023 in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images
He explained that often during surgery, the organ or tissue of concern would be sent to pathologists, and whether or not it was cancerous would dictate how the remainder of the operation and treatment would go. The doctor shared: “It’s very likely that the surgical team knew or had a good sense of what this was going to be prior to surgery.”
Princess Catherine and Prince William at the SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Prince William, Princess Catherine, and Prince Harry at the The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay | Source: Getty Images
In the midst of the online tumult, a user brought attention to Kate’s uncle, mentioning that he had provided some insights. He reminisced about how Harry, William, and Kate once formed a “happy little trio” which, according to him, was “totally ruined” after Harry married Meghan. This personal touch added fuel to the speculative fire, with many bracing for what they presumed would be an imminent announcement of a divorce between Catherine and William.
Princess Catherine and Prince William with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Catherine with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Princess Catherine with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
According to Kate’s uncle, while the children of the couple bring immense joy, it does not negate the complexities and challenges they face. The implication of discord, as expressed in the quote, paints a picture of a relationship that, in the eyes of some, appears strained. The person who tweeted Princess Catherine’s uncle’s statement said that he provided an interesting look into their lives.
As previously reported on March 18, 2024:
Rumors of Prince William’s affair have spread across the internet, with many pointing fingers at Rose Hanbury. Initially seen as just a family friend, she’s now suspected of being a homewrecker.
While Kate Middleton is absent from the public eye, recovering from her abdominal surgery, Prince William is suspected of having an affair. As rumors spread across the world, royal fans are delving into the persona of the alleged mistress.
Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley attends a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Aristocrats know her as Lady Rose Hanbury. She is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. She has long been linked to the British Royal Family. This is through her well-heeled family and their prestigious place in British high society. She is married to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. The couple raise three children together at their residence.
Prince William’s and Rose Hanbury’s families have been friends for a long time. But their friendship is under scrutiny by the public after a recent picture was released. In the photo, Prince William was riding in a car with a woman, allegedly his wife, Kate Middleton, by his side.
However, royal fans think otherwise. After being deceived by the picture of Kate Middleton and her children released on Mother’s Day, fans no longer trust so easily. Some people believe that the woman in the car next to Prince William is none other than Rose Hanbury.
First, her head is suspiciously turned away from the cameras, a thing that Princess Catherine never did. The Princess of Wales has always been brave enough to face the cameras. She did so even after waiting ten years for William to propose. Apart from hiding away, the woman is also staring at the brick wall, which fans have disputed.
Prince Louis of Cambridge and his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“That is not Kate Middleton in the car; Kate has never shied away from cameras. Even when she waited ten years for Willy to propose, that is Rose Hanbury, William’s mistress,” commented a user.
“Sorry to go all tinfoil hat, but I don’t think that’s Kate Middleton. I think that’s Rose Hanbury in the car with William because why can’t we see her face? You’re really telling me the paparazzi didn’t run around the car to get a shot of her face?” another chimed in.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Claerchen’s Ballhaus dance hall on July 20, 2017 in Berlin, Germany | Source: Getty Images
While some believe it is Rose Hanbury’s face, others speculate it is a photoshop of Kate Middleton, a profile from another picture. Fans use evidence to say the picture is fake. They reference Kate Middleton’s picture from the 2016 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. She wore a black pillbox hat.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France | Source: Getty Images
However, Goff Photos — the agency that captured William and Kate in the Range Rover — addressed the rumors. They assured the public that the pics “have been cropped and lightened” but “nothing has been doctored.” The speculations spread so far that even Stephen Colbert addressed the situation. In his latest comedy sketch on national American TV, he talked about the alleged affair.
Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” 2024 | Source: Youtube/@ColbertLateShow
“Now there have been rumors of an affair between William and the Marching Band of Chicanery since 2019,” the host started off. “According to tabloids back then, when Kate supposedly confronted him about it, he laughed it off saying there was nothing to it. Always a good response when your wife accuses you of cheating,” he said sarcastically.
For people who do not follow the Royal Family closely, Rose Hanbury might seem a new persona on the royal stage. However, the woman has been around William and Kate for a long time.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Rose Hanbury attend a gala dinner in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ nook appeal at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
In June 2016, their families attended a gala dinner to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at Houghton Hall. Then, they were already close, considering how friendly they looked in the photos. Dressed in beautiful gowns, Kate and Rose greeted each other fondly, while their husbands shook hands.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
Despite the niceties, fans found one of the pictures taken at the event quite controversial. “These pictures say a thousand words. Prince William, Rose Hanbury, and Kate all in one picture. I can already read the room here. A lot has been going on,” commented a user. “This picture is always my favorite peek into the drama,” another agreed.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
It was not the last time their families were seen together. In 2020, she and her husband were invited to celebrate Kate’s 38th birthday. The party was only for some of their closest friends at their country home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. David and Rose, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley also attended the party.
Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley at a gala dinner on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
They are close friends. Rose Hanbury and her family live in the residence only three miles from Anmer Hall. Anmer Hall is home to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Lady Rose Cholmondeley resides with her husband and kids at Houghton Hall in Norfolk.
The couple welcomed twin sons in October 2009. Their names are Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley. Later, in 2016, their daughter, Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley, was born.
Today, swirling rumors allege that Prince William had an affair. The spotlight has turned to Rose Hanbury. She finds herself at the center of speculation. Despite the rumors, Rose Hanbury is a wife and mother. She is also an aristocrat in Royal social circles.
As speculation continues, Rose’s presence in royal circles and gatherings would invite further scrutiny. It doesn’t help that not so long ago Prince William was seen without his wedding ring in public, causing a wave of reaction.
As previously reported on March 12, 2024:
Prince William was seen beside his stepmother, Queen Camilla, engaging warmly with attendees through handshakes and smiles. Photos from the event were posted on the royal social media accounts.
Queen Camilla during the Commonwealth Day celebration, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily/
Queen Camilla and Prince William during the Commonwealth Day celebration, dated March 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily/
However, amidst the regal splendor and ceremonious greetings, eagle-eyed observers on social media noted something amiss. William was without his wedding ring.
This observation quickly spiraled into a hot topic, with comments flooding the royal family’s social media post. Concerns and curiosity were voiced openly, as one commenter asked, “..is he wearing a wedding ring? Bc I do not see one,” while another stated, “William without his wedding ring.”
Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives for the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
However, Prince William is not the only one who has been seen without his ring.
In a recent heartwarming family photo shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account after the Princess’s abdominal surgery, royal enthusiasts quickly noticed an unusual detail. The candid snapshot, which featured Princess Catherine surrounded by her three children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, caught the attention of many with their radiant smiles.
Captured in an idyllic outdoor setting, the photo depicts a moment of familial bliss, with Prince Louis standing to his mother’s right, Princess Charlotte perched on the chair’s arm next to her, and Prince George lovingly hugging her from behind. However, the absence of Princess Catherine’s iconic rings sparked a flurry of concern and speculation among followers.
A close-up of Princess Catherine’s left hand posted on March 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
A close-up of Princess Catherine’s right hand posted on March 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Social media users—ever attentive to detail—voiced their observations and worries in the comment section of the Instagram post. “Where’s your ring Kate??? 💍👀👀”, one user questioned, while another speculated, “This photo was taken before Kate went missing and Kate looks like a single mom with no wedding ring in skinny jeans. It is forbidden to wear tight clothes after abdominal surgery.”
Someone else added, “It is strange that she is not wearing her wedding ring […] it is either an old photo that wasn’t taken to release for this purpose or something [is] up with their marriage.” The concern was palpable, with another noting, “A beautiful photo but oddly she is not wearing her wedding rings.”
After forgetting to wear their rings, the couple has been seen together for the first time in a while, photographed in the car. As the picture was released, fans began their speculation.
After her first public outing since her surgery in January, fans of the royal family noticed a new dynamic between Princess Catherine and her husband, Prince William. Some observers viewed their public outing as a positive sign, indicative of happiness and unity within their relationship.
Yet, the sighting also revived uneasy comparisons to a tumultuous period in royal history, with one fan commenting it was “reminiscent of Charles and Di at the end.” Others voiced concern, suggesting “Will is mad with her!” and that it “reminds me of the pictures of his parents during their last year together,” with the prevailing sentiment being that they appeared “so unhappy.”
King Charles III and Princess Diana during an official visit to South Korea in November 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Amidst these observations, a notable portion of fans detected an undercurrent of “tension” between the royal couple. Skepticism about the state of their union was evident, with comments suggesting that Kate and William might not be on “good terms.” One particularly somber prediction from a fan was that “the wheels could be falling off this marriage,” a reflection on the unique pressures faced by those living a life of royal duty.
Prince William attends a gala dinner in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ nook appeal at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
In a whirlwind of rumors surrounding Prince William’s alleged affair and the spotlight on Rose Hanbury, royal fans are in a frenzy of speculation. Despite attempts to keep things normal, both Prince William and Princess Catherine are under intense public scrutiny after being spotted without their wedding rings.
Every move and photo is being analyzed, with people comparing them to past royal dramas. The state of their marriage is now a hot topic, with some seeing signs of unity, while others suspect trouble brewing. The fascination with the British Royal Family remains strong, showing the world’s enduring interest in the highs and lows of royal life.