Stephen Colbert showed regret for a past skit on The Late Show that made jokes about rumors of an affair between Prince William and Rose Hanbury after news emerged of Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis. Acknowledging the seriousness of cancer diagnoses, Colbert expressed well wishes for Kate’s swift and thorough recovery. The rumors about the state of William and Kate’s marriage had been circulating since Kate’s hospitalization for abdominal surgery in January. Kate’s absence from public duties further fueled conspiracy theories about her well-being.
Colbert’s comments resurfaced speculation about William allegedly being unfaithful with Hanbury, an old friend of the royals who is married to William’s close friend David Rocksavage. The rumor about the affair was denied by Hanbury’s lawyers, who issued a legal notice to The Late Show and other media outlets to clarify that the allegation was false. The infidelity speculation regarding William and Hanbury had never been addressed by the royal couple, but a source once revealed that the rumors had a negative impact on their relationship. Kate was said to find the rumors hurtful, especially considering the potential effect on her children.
The controversy around the affair rumors was exacerbated by Colbert’s joke, leading to increased attention on the situation. Hanbury’s attorneys made it clear that the allegations were baseless and had no credibility. Throughout the ordeal, William and Kate had chosen not to publicly address the speculation, opting to deal with it privately. The source also mentioned how the rumors prompted the couple to reflect on their relationship and make an effort to prioritize their communication and bond.
Colbert reflected on his show’s role in perpetuating the rumors and expressed a sense of remorse for making light of a situation that involved potential personal struggles for those affected. The inappropriate timing of the skit was highlighted by Kate’s public announcement of her cancer diagnosis, which brought more attention to the affair allegations. The comedian took responsibility for the insensitivity of the joke and offered his well wishes for Kate’s recovery. Moving forward, Colbert and his team vowed to be more mindful of the content they produce and the impact it could have on individuals dealing with challenging circumstances.
The case of William’s alleged affair and the subsequent media coverage served as a cautionary tale about the power and responsibility of the media in shaping public perceptions. The incident highlighted the importance of sensitivity and ethical considerations when discussing private matters related to public figures, especially in cases involving potential personal hardships. The situation with William and Kate’s marriage rumors underscored how speculation and gossip can have real consequences for individuals, even those in the public eye. Ultimately, the episode with Colbert’s skit shed light on the need for empathy and respect when reporting on sensitive topics that could impact people’s lives.
