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Since March, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship has been plagued by affair rumors following an alleged fallout between the Duchess of Cambridge and her best friend — and her husband’s alleged mistress — Rose Hanbury, aka the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.

However, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (along with the palace’s communications office) has yet to confirm or deny any of the rumors. And, instead, have let their actions speak for themselves. Up ahead, see the recent photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton that prove their relationship is strong, despite affair rumors. Plus, a recap of Prince William’s rumored affair.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William’s affair

Before we ooh and aah over the adorable photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton, let’s take a look back at the Duke of Cambridge’s alleged affair with Rose Hanbury.

How did the rumors start?

Rumors of a possible affair between Prince William and Kate Middleton’s best friend, Rose Hanbury first circulated in March when The Sun reported on a falling out between the Duchess and the Marchioness. “It is well known that Kate and Rose have had a terrible falling out,” an unnamed royal source told the publication. “They used to be close but that is not the case any more [sic],” they added.

This information sparked more rumors, pointing at a potential affair between the future king and his wife’s best friend. And, some publication, like The Daily Mail came to the Duke of Cambridge’s defense, calling the allegations false. However, the rumors persisted and things started to get ugly on social media.

Twitter users confirmed the allegations

Several reporters, including gossip reporter Giles Coren, took to Twitter to unpack the rumors. “Yes, it is an affair,” Coren wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “I haven’t read the piece but I know about the affair. Everyone knows about the affair, darling.” Reporter, Nicole Cliffe, also used Twitter to add her opinions about the allegations, claiming that the affair might be why Prince William and Prince Harry haven’t been getting along. “Wills would absolutely have told Harry about the affair,” Cliffe wrote. “And I think that Harry was like ‘this is exactly what ruined our childhoods.”

Prince William’s lawyers got involved … but Twitter was not having it

Following the tweets and media coverage, Prince Williams lawyers apparently got involved, trying to put the whole thing to rest. But, Twitter wouldn’t have it, especially after a Prince William-less Kate Middleton joined Prince Harry for an Anzac Day engagement. Despite having a good reason to miss the event —Prince William was away in New Zealand visiting with Christchurch mosque shooting survivors — the Duke of Cambridge’s absence sparked rumors once more. Only, this time, social media users were outraged at the British press, claiming they use negative stories about Meghan Markle to distract from affair rumors.

“Meghan Markle will breathe and the British media will start … shaming her for no reason but when Prince William has an affair, they barely talk about it,” one user wrote. “Prince William and Palace courtiers have done a deal with the British press. In exchange for staying quiet about his affair, they will allow them to smear and slander Meghan,” another claimed. However, the alleged “deal” is unconfirmed.

So where does that leave us? Back to Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have managed to ignore the rumors and go on with their lives, proving that either it never happened — which is totally possible, given the lack of confirmation from the royals and unnamed sources —  or that they are moving on from the mishap and stronger than ever.

Here are some recent photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looking happy and in love.

They shared a loving look aboard a coastguard search and rescue helicopter

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William and Kate Middleton gazed lovingly at each other while exiting a coastguard search and rescue helicopter on a joint royal engagement in Caernarfon on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

They walked along the beach in Newborough

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

While in North Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge strolled down a sandy pathway while visiting Newborough Beach. The two explored the beach’s wildlife habitat with Menai Bridge Scouts and, clearly, enjoyed each other’s company.

They laughed together at the launch of the King’s Cup Regatta

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton have enjoyed quite a few joint engagements recently. Earlier this month, the two shared an adorable laugh at the launch of the King’s Cup Regatta at the Cutty Sark, Greenwich in London.

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