Rose Hanbury, known formally as Sarah Rose Cholmondeley, is a former model and political staffer. She is known as the Marchioness of Cholmondeley and has garnered attention not only for her noble title but also for her connections within British high society and the royal family.
Born on March 15, 1984, she became a prominent figure through her marriage to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. Their wedding in 2009 marked the beginning of her public life as a member of the aristocracy.
Early Life and Education
Rose Hanbury was born on March 15, 1984, in Coggeshall, Essex. She is the daughter of Timothy Hanbury, a website designer, and Emma Longman, a fashion designer. Rose has one sister, Marina. Raised in an environment filled with social events and gatherings at their family home, Holfield Grange, Rose attended Stowe School in Buckinghamshire and later pursued higher studies at the Open University.
Personal Life
Rose met David Cholmondeley while on vacation in Italy in 2003, when she was just 19 years old. Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in their engagement announcement on June 22, 2009. They married two days later at Chelsea Town Hall in London. The couple has three children: twins Alexander Hugh George and Oliver Timothy, born on October 12, 2009, and their daughter Iris Marina Aline, born in March 2016. The family resides at Houghton Hall in Norfolk.
Career
Before becoming the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, Rose had a diverse career path. She worked as a fashion model, signing with Storm Management at the age of 23, an agency known for representing high-profile models, including Kate Moss. Additionally, she served as a political researcher for Conservative MP Michael Gove before stepping back from her professional life to focus on family and managing the estate.
Awards
King Charles III Coronation Medal (2023)
Net Worth
Rose Hanbury’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million ($12 million), stemming from her marriage into the aristocracy and her previous career in modeling and political work.
Controversy
Rose Hanbury has been involved in controversies primarily related to rumors about her relationship with Prince William. These speculations first surfaced in 2019 when tabloids suggested an affair between them. Despite the lack of evidence, the rumors gained traction due to her proximity within royal circles and frequent public appearances alongside the royal couple.
In early March 2024, following Princess Kate’s surgery and subsequent absence from public life, these rumors intensified, with media outlets speculating tensions between the two women and referring to Hanbury as Kate’s “rural rival.” Both women have publicly dismissed these claims as unfounded.
In response to the ongoing speculation, Rose’s legal team issued a statement on March 18, 2024, denying any affair with Prince William. The statement emphasized that the rumors were false and highlighted the impact such gossip can have on personal lives.
The controversy has not only affected Rose but also drawn attention to how media narratives can shape public perception without substantial proof. Despite these challenges, she continues to maintain her social position and fulfill her duties as a patron of various charities.
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