Speculation around Prince William’s personal life has reignited following the release of Princess Kate’s first official photo after a prolonged absence due to abdominal surgery. The image, taken on Mother’s Day, sparked a media frenzy, not just for its apparent Photoshop edits, but for a more significant detail – Kate was not wearing her wedding ring.

While some suggest that Kate may have removed the ring during her recovery for health reasons or that she simply doesn’t wear it often at home, the ring’s absence from a public image has led to widespread conjecture. Given that her wedding ring is typically a staple in her public appearances, many are questioning if there is a deeper, more troubling reason behind its absence.

The controversy deepened when major British news agencies, including Reuters, the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and PA Media, removed the photo from their image services. According to the Associated Press, PA Media reportedly sought clarification from the palace but received no satisfactory response. PA Media, one of the most trusted sources for royal news, warned, “If there is no clarification, we will remove the image from our image service.” This move has only fueled conspiracy theories surrounding the royal couple.

Rumors are now swirling that Kate’s extended absence from the public eye might be linked to marital issues, specifically allegations of Prince William’s infidelity. These whispers have brought back memories of past scandals, with some comparing William to his father, King Charles III, and suggesting that history might be repeating itself.

Central to these rumors is Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, a figure with deep ties to the British aristocracy and a close connection to the royal family. Living just a short distance from the couple’s residence in Wales, Lady Hanbury has long been a part of their inner circle.

In 2019, rumors began circulating that William had an affair with Rose while Kate was pregnant with their third child, Prince Louis. At the time, tabloids reported a fallout between Kate and the Marchioness, and the affair allegations quickly gained traction. The story even made it to late-night television, with Stephen Colbert commenting on The Late Show, “According to the tabloids, when Kate allegedly confronted her husband about the affair, William laughed it off and said there was nothing. This is the most common reaction when your wife accuses you of cheating. Oh no, my heart goes out to poor Kate.”

Neither William nor Kate has ever publicly addressed the rumors, though William’s legal team has previously dismissed them as false and harmful to the royal family. Yet, the reemergence of these allegations threatens to tarnish Prince William’s reputation once more.

Despite the ongoing rumors, Rose Hanbury continues to maintain her relationship with the royal family. She was notably present at King Charles III’s coronation, a testament to her enduring connection with the monarchy.

As the speculation continues to swirl, the public is left to wonder—what is really going on behind palace doors?