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Kate Middleton 'furious' her banished friend was invited to banquet

Kate Middleton and Rose Hanbury crossed paths at last week's state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Getty Images
Kate Middleton and Rose Hanbury crossed paths at last week's state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly ‘furious’ her former friend Rose Hanbury was invited to the palace last week - just months after rumours of their falling out first surfaced.

Rose, who has been dubbed Kate’s ‘rural rival’ in the tabloids, was one of the well-heeled guests at the Queen’s decadent state banquet in honour of US president Donald Trump’s official visit, and was seen entering the ballroom in a slinky white gown.

While Rose’s husband David, the Marquess of Cholmondeley’s post as Lord Great Chamberlain makes him a regular fixture at such events, her attendance was reportedly a shock for some.

“Kate was no doubt furious when she found out Rose had been invited to the dinner,” a source, who has remained unnamed, told Woman’s Day.

“Not wanting to give any credence to the rumours she insisted Rose was kept at least 30 feet from her at all times,” the source added.

Kate and Rose were seated on virtually opposite ends of the palace’s ballroom for the event, but this could simply have been a representation of their respective statuses.

And if Kate was ‘furious’ on the night, she did a good job of concealing it for the cameras as she was photographed smiling as she arrived.

Rose Hanbury attended at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of US President Donald Trump's three day state visit to the UK. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire
Rose Hanbury attended at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, London, on day one of US President Donald Trump's three day state visit to the UK. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire
The Duchess of Cambridge pictured entering the State Banquet with a smile on her face
If Kate was indeed 'furious' at the banquet, she did a good job of hiding it. Photo: Getty

Rural rivals

This surprise at Rose’s presence was perhaps due to mounting reports the women - whose country manors are just three miles apart - have fallen out.

If reports are to be believed, Kate tried to force Rose out of her and William’s Norfolk social circle, affectionately known as the ‘Turnip Toffs’, reportedly asking William to ‘phase (Rose) out’ of the country scene.

“They should be really close but things are tense between them. No one understands quite how things have come to this,” a source told The Sun at the time.

Happy families

Despite the apparent commotion during Wednesday night’s banquet, Prince William and Kate put any drama firmly behind them in time for Trooping the Colour at the weekend.

The couple were joined by their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - on the palace’s famed balcony to celebrate the Queen’s birthday.

Among the appearance’s highlights were little Louis gawking at fly-past and the youngest royals peering out of the windows of the palace just before they stepped out.

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