Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has begun quietly reducing her public appearances as renewed speculation involving Prince William and Rose Hanbury circulates in media and social circles, according to reports cited by Radar Online. The shift, unfolding within Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, has drawn attention as it coincides with heightened scrutiny of the royal household and the couple's approach to protecting their children.
People familiar with the situation say the princess has become increasingly selective about which engagements she attends, focusing on safeguarding household stability and prioritising time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Observers note that the adjustment is subtle rather than abrupt, reflecting a calculated effort to manage visibility rather than a withdrawal from royal life altogether.
The change has not gone unnoticed within palace operations. Royal aides say Kate has leaned more heavily on a smaller circle of trusted staff and family members to handle day-to-day obligations, a strategy described by Harper's Bazaar as consistent with her long-standing approach to public pressure. By narrowing her schedule, she maintains a presence at key events while limiting opportunities for speculation to overshadow official work.
Pressure from within the institution has also intensified. According to The News, King Charles has requested the princess's participation at certain engagements, placing additional demands on an already compressed calendar. Some aides characterised these expectations as "challenging," underscoring the difficulty of balancing personal boundaries with royal duty during periods of heightened attention.
At the centre of renewed speculation is Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, whose proximity to the royal family has drawn intermittent attention for years. Hanbury, 41, is married to David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, and lives near Anmer Hall in Norfolk, the country residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The families have long moved within overlapping social circles tied to Britain's aristocratic network.
Rumours linking Prince William and Hanbury first emerged in 2019, originating in American tabloid reporting. Kensington Palace has never commented on the claims, adhering to its policy of not addressing personal allegations. Despite reports that Hanbury was distanced from Kate's inner circle in subsequent years, she has remained a visible figure within high society, with deep familial ties to the monarchy.
Recent reporting suggests Hanbury has grown increasingly frustrated by the persistence of the rumours. Sources indicate she has considered legal options after a television personality referenced the speculation publicly, signalling continued sensitivity around the issue. No formal legal action has been confirmed.
For Kate, the recalibration of public life appears closely linked to protecting her children from media intrusion. Royal commentators cited by Hello! Magazine note that sustained speculation can place strain on families in the public eye, particularly on young children. By controlling her visibility, the princess limits the spillover of tabloid narratives into her children's daily lives.
