The absence of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, from public view has ignited a frenzy of speculation and conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding allegations of her husband Prince William’s rumored affair with British noblewoman Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Despite denials from Hanbury’s legal representatives, public interest in the royal family has soared, prompting intensified scrutiny of her background.
Recent attention has zeroed in on Hanbury’s association with Houghton Hall, the historic estate where she resides with her husband, David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, and their children. Social media platforms, notably Chinese sites like Xiaohongshu and Weibo, have drawn connections between Hanbury’s opulent furniture and its possible origins in looting during China’s late Qing Dynasty.
A post on Xiaohongshu has alleged that Hanbury’s husband inherited furniture from the Sassoon family, often referred to as “the Rothschilds of the East,” who amassed considerable wealth through a 19th-century trading empire, including involvement in commodities like opium. While the Sassoons were esteemed figures in British society, their legacy is shadowed by allegations of profiting from China’s historical turmoil, including the looting of artifacts during the country’s “century of humiliation.”
The scrutiny surrounding Hanbury’s decor has reignited calls for the repatriation of potentially misappropriated foreign artifacts in the UK. Museums, including the British Museum, which received donations from the Sassoon family, have faced criticism for housing plundered Chinese artifacts. This ongoing debate underscores broader tensions over cultural heritage and restitution in today’s interconnected world.
Ellie Hall, a former royals reporter, commented on the unexpected twist in the royal saga, emphasizing the public’s insatiable fascination with uncovering every detail related to Princess Kate’s absence. As speculation continues to swirl, the mystery surrounding Middleton’s whereabouts adds another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving narrative of the British royal family.
All about the Sassoon Family:
Originating from a Jewish Baghdadi background, the Sassoon family established a vast trading empire spanning continents, dealing in commodities ranging from textiles to tea. However, their most notorious trade was in opium, a lucrative enterprise that significantly contributed to their immense wealth.
As the Sassoon dynasty flourished, they transitioned from successful merchants to influential members of the British aristocracy. Knighted in 1872, Sir Albert Sassoon paved the way for the family’s entry into British high society, solidifying their position among the elite.
Despite their prominence, the legacy of the Sassoon family is not without controversy. Their involvement in the opium trade, particularly during a period of colonial expansion and exploitation, has drawn criticism and condemnation. Questions have also arisen regarding the acquisition of certain artifacts, prompting debates about restitution and historical accountability.
