Royal scandal: Did the UK media delete articles on Prince William’s alleged affair with Rose Hanbury?

The belief among the public is that the palace is influencing media outlets to suppress reports of an alleged affair between Prince William and Rose Hanbury. Earlier this year, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Rose Hanbury were the subjects of significant media attention due to rumors of an affair involving the future king. These rumors, which have been circulating since 2019, resurfaced in 2024 during Kate Middleton’s absence from public life due to health issues. Despite the widespread media focus, it is suggested that UK media outlets have quietly deleted or altered articles about the alleged affair.

Ellie Hall, a royal writer for Vulture, constructed a timeline detailing the removal or editing of news articles from 2019 to 2024. Her chronology illustrates how various British publications published stories about the potential relationship between Prince William and Rose Hanbury, only to subsequently delete or significantly alter them. The investigation by Vulture revealed that between 2019 and 2024, a total of 21 stories were deleted and six others were modified to remove information. The outlets involved include the Daily Express, the Mirror, the Sun, the Evening Standard, Tatler, the Daily Mail/MailOnline/Mail on Sunday, and the Guardian.

Over three months, Vulture reached out to these media outlets for comments regarding the changes. The Guardian was the only organization to respond, stating that the changes were made following internal editorial considerations and not due to external pressure. Despite this claim, the prevailing public belief, as reported by Vulture, is that the palace is manipulating media outlets to prevent reports or speculation about the alleged affair, aiming to protect Prince William’s reputation.

The response from the royal family and Rose Hanbury’s representatives has been firm. The attorneys for both parties have strongly denied any reports of an affair between William and Rose. However, they have not commented specifically on the deletion or modification of articles. This lack of direct response regarding the media changes adds to the public’s suspicion of media manipulation.

The resurgence of these allegations in 2024 coincides with Kate Middleton’s health crisis, which has led to her temporary withdrawal from public engagements. This absence has fueled further speculation and media scrutiny, with the public keenly following any developments. Despite the official denials, the persistent rumors and the pattern of media deletions suggest a concerted effort to manage the narrative surrounding the royal family.

The situation underscores the challenges the royal family faces in maintaining their public image amid rumors and scandals. The influence they allegedly exert over media coverage highlights the delicate balance they must maintain between public transparency and private protection. This case also raises broader questions about the integrity and independence of the media when reporting on high-profile individuals and sensitive issues.

The allegations and subsequent media actions illustrate the complex dynamics between the monarchy and the press. The royal family’s ability to shape public narratives through media influence is not new, but this case brings it into sharp focus. The public’s suspicion of media manipulation reflects broader concerns about the relationship between the monarchy and the press, and the extent to which the royal family can control their portrayal in the media.