Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley (pronounced “Chumley”), has become a recognizable figure at royal events and ceremonies over the past decade, from the coronation of King Charles III to state banquets and high society parties.
Often praised for her sense of style and easily identifiable in the busy ballroom of Buckingham Palace thanks to her extensive collection of heirloom family jewels, the aristocrat is regularly photographed and discussed in society publications and online.
But who is the marchioness and how is she connected to the royals? Here, Newsweek looks at the facts.
Dave Benett/Getty Images for The National Gallery/Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Who Is Rose Hanbury?
The Marchioness of Cholmondeley was born Rose Hanbury, the daughter of Timothy Hanbury and his wife Emma Longman, in 1984.
She grew up in the county of Essex in Southeast England and through her mother is the granddaughter of Lady Elizabeth Longman.
Until her death in 2016, Lady Elizabeth Longman was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth II, acting as a bridesmaid at the monarch’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
After leaving school, Hanbury worked as a model represented by one of the world’s leading agencies, and also reportedly spent time as a researcher for the Conservative member of parliament Michael Gove.
Who Is Rose Hanbury’s Husband?
Hanbury married David George Philip Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquis of Cholmondeley, in June 2009.
The head of one of Britain’s most senior aristocratic families, in the year of his marriage The Sunday Times estimated that the marquis had a net worth of £60 million ($76.6 million).
After her marriage, Hanbury took on the title of Marchioness of Cholmondeley, as well as an additional list of subsidiary titles held by her husband.
The marquis attended Eton College, the private school in the shadow of Windsor Castle that later educated Prince William and Prince Harry. He also played a major court role during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Between 1990 and 2022 he held the position of Joint Hereditary Great Chamberlain to the royal household. This ceremonial role saw him act as a regular fixture at state events such as the opening of parliament and banquets etc. By extension his wife was also regularly present at these with him.
The Cholmondeley’s have three children together. Twin boys, Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley, the Earl of Rocksavage and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley, were born in 2009. They were then followed by a daughter, Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley, in 2016.
Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Serpentine Gallery
Where Does Rose Hanbury Live?
Rose Hanbury and her family live in the principal Cholmondeley family home, Houghton Hall, in the county of Norfolk in eastern England.
The hall was built in 1772 and was first owned by former British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole, who is a distant ancestor of the marquis.
The extensive property is one of the finest country estates in Britain, being designated Grade 1 listed status, as a building of significant cultural value.
The hall is located just seven miles by road away from the British royal family’s Norfolk residence, the Sandringham estate, where they traditionally spend each Christmas.
How Does Rose Hanbury Know Prince William and Kate Middleton?
How Rose Hanbury and the Prince and Princess of Wales first met is not currently known. However, it is likely they were introduced at the time of the former’s marriage in 2009.
In 2015, William and Kate moved into Anmer Hall, a property given to them by Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present, located directly in-between the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and Houghton Hall, making the royals close neighbors to the marquis and marchioness.
In 2016, the prince and princess were photographed with the Cholmondeleys at a reception hosted at Houghton Hall in aid of the East Anglia Children’s Hospices.
Stephen Pond/Getty Images
In 2023, photos were circulated of Kate attending the Houghton Festival, an event showcasing electronic and dance music. Reports at the time suggested that Kate had been dining with the Cholmondeleys before deciding to go out with a group onto the estate where the festival was taking place. At the time, Kensington Palace did not comment on the photographs or the princess’ attendance.
Prior to the festival, the marquis and marchioness were guests at the coronation of King Charles III. Their son Lord Oliver was selected alongside William and Kate’s eldest, Prince George, to be one of the new king’s Pages of Honor during the ceremony. Along with two other similarly aged boys connected with the royal family, the group held the monarch’s robes and appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
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