Rose Hanbury, 40, who married David Cholmondeley, 63, in 2009, made the first statements after fans of the British royal family speculated that she was having an affair with Prince William in following Kate Middleton’s disappearance from the public eye after undergoing surgery in January.

Lady Rose Hanbury told Business Insider, through her lawyers, that rumors that she had an affair with Prince William, the heir to the British throne, “are completely false.”

Although speculation of an alleged romance between the two dates back to 2019, the rumors reached an all-time high after Kensington Palace announced that the 42-year-old Princess of Wales would undergo abdominal surgery in January.

Kate Middleton’s months-long absence from public life has led many to speculate about the state of her marriage to 41-year-old William. Journalist Stephen Colbert commented on these speculations in an episode of his talk show, “The Late Show”.

“Kingdom has been abuzz over Kate Middleton’s apparent disappearance. Well, now internet sleuths are speculating that Kate’s absence could be related to her husband and future King William of England having an affair,” he said.

“So I think we all know who the other woman is supposed to be. Say it with me… Marchioness of Cholmondeley… what a beautiful name!”. Colbert joked, referring to Hanbury’s official royal title.

“Now it is rumored that there is an affair between William and her since 2019″, he continued. “According to tabloids at the time, when Kate allegedly confronted him about it, he laughed it off, saying it was nothing. Always a good response when your wife accuses you of cheating,” the comedian continued.

Colbert, 59, then imitated Prince William in a fake British accent, saying: “Ha ha, imagine me having an affair! It’s laughable.” The presenter also cited a news item titled “Rumors about Prince William’s relationship with Rose Hanbury are at an all-time high amid Kate Middleton’s recovery.”

Kate Middleton’s rep previously told Page Six that she is still recovering from “planned abdominal surgery” and will not be returning to her duties anytime soon.