Report alleges Catherine warned William to choose between her and Rose
Catherine has spoken publicly for the first time since renewed claims about Rose Hanbury drew fresh attention. Her message came as she marked Addiction Awareness Week, offering support and empathy to those living with addiction.
A new report from OK! Magazine, based on comments by royal biographer Andrew Lownie, suggests Catherine once issued a firm warning to William over the long-standing rumour of an affair with former friend Rose Hanbury. Lownie claimed in a now-deleted Substack post that Catherine told him, “It’s her or me. Make up your mind.” He also wrote that Catherine was “devastated” by the rumours and insisted William avoid Rose entirely.
According to the report, the couple have attended marriage therapy since the speculation first emerged in 2019. An insider said their relationship has had difficult moments but added that a split is not expected.
Amid the renewed headlines, Catherine posted a message on social media as part of her work with the Forward Trust, of which she has been patron since 2021. She wrote that she is proud to support Addiction Awareness Week and stressed that addiction “is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support.”
In her full statement, Catherine called for an end to the “fear, shame and judgement” faced by people struggling with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions. She urged society to meet them with “compassion and love” as they seek help.
