Kate Middleton is said to still be affected by long-running rumours about an alleged affair between Prince William and Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
Sources claim the Princess of Wales has not fully moved on from the speculation, which first surfaced in 2019.
An insider told Radar Online the situation left a deep emotional mark on Kate and created wounds that never completely healed.
“When the rumours first began circulating, Kate was deeply shaken and caught off guard,” the source said. “They undermined her confidence in what she believed was a stable and secure life, and the pain they caused left a lasting impact.”
The insider added that the couple were forced to face one of the most difficult periods in their marriage.
“They had to confront a very challenging chapter in their relationship and work hard to move forward,” the source said. “While there are still moments of strain, both are committed to keeping their family together and dealing with problems rather than walking away.”
The same source claimed Kate has since drawn firmer boundaries, particularly where Rose is concerned.
“In 2019, Kate made it clear that Rose needed to be removed from her personal and social circle, and she is now insisting on that again,” the insider said.
They added that any friendly relationship between the two women ended once the rumours spread.
“The speculation left Kate feeling exposed and embarrassed, and she was determined to create as much distance as possible from anything that might revive those stories,” the source explained.
According to the insider, seeing Rose at royal-connected events continues to stir painful memories for Kate.
“What once seemed like an innocent friendship is now completely overshadowed by the rumours,” they said. “The public speculation was deeply humiliating for her, and even now, the memory of it remains difficult to deal with.”
