In the British aristocracy, where history and scandal often intertwine, Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, has emerged with renewed notoriety.
At 39, she is at the center of a media whirlwind due to her alleged relationship with Prince William, the future king of England.
This public interest has been reflected on Houghton Hall, the majestic family residence where she lives with her husband, David Rocksavage, and their three children.
Rose Hanbury’s Lineage and Controversy
Rose Hanbury is no stranger to life at the royal court.
From a young age, she has been immersed in the aristocratic world, being the granddaughter of Lady Elizabeth Longman, playmate and maid of honor to Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh.
Rose’s proximity to the royal family extended to her neighborhood with William and Kate in Norfolk, forging bonds that, rumor had it, would become all too close.
Houghton Hall: An Architectural Splendor
Rose’s life, despite being marked by the current scandal, has unfolded among grandiose palaces.
She resides at Houghton Hall, a historic and impressive property, noted for its Palladian architecture.
It was built in the 1720s for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Robert Walpole.
Designed by iconic British architects Colen Campbell and James Gibbs, Houghton Hall reflects the power, taste and wealth of its original owner.
The residence stands in extensive grounds, complemented by a walled garden that houses an impressive collection of sculptures by world-renowned artists.
In addition to being the home of the seventh Marquess of Cholmondeley, Houghton Hall Palace has become a tourist attraction.
Unprecedentedly, it opens its gardens to the public from April to October and offers art exhibitions as well as the possibility of guided tours.
The majesty of Houghton Hall’s interior
The interior of the palace is as impressive as its gardens.
It features state rooms, painted ceilings and gold-carved furniture.
The marble dining room, or drawing room, is notable for its doors and multiple arches.
The state room, upholstered in green velvet, once considered the most expensive material, adorned with silver gilt embroidery and fringe.
A New Chapter for Rose and Houghton Hall
Rose moved to Houghton Hall after marrying the Marquis and becoming mother to Alexander and Oliver.
Once at the palace, little Iris was born, adding a new chapter to the rich history of the residence.
The controversy surrounding her figure has added a layer of complexity to the public perception of Houghton Hall.
Although rumors of her relationship with Prince William have flooded the headlines, the marquise and her family continue their lives within the walls of their historic home, surrounded by architectural beauty and cultural richness.
Between scandal and tradition
Rose Hanbury’s life, marked by a mixture of aristocratic lineage and modern controversy, illustrates the tension between scandal and tradition within contemporary British society.
While her alleged relationship with Prince William has generated a media frenzy, the history and beauty of Houghton Hall remain immutable, symbolizing the continuity and splendor of British aristocracy despite the challenges of the 21st century.
At the intersection of these worlds, Rose Hanbury and Houghton Hall emerge as central figures in a narrative that interweaves the past with the present, demonstrating that, even in the age of instant information, some aspects of British nobility retain their power to fascinate and captivate global audiences.