Rumours of a falling out between Kate Middleton and one of her pals were made up in a bid to damage the Duchess of Cambridge, a new report says.
It was claimed Kate, 37, wanted neighbour Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, to be "phased out" of their high-society circle in Norfolk after a rift developed between the pair.
Former model Rose, 35, is married to David (the 7th Marquess of) Cholmondeley, 58, and both he and Prince William are said to be baffled by the rumours.
Kensington Palace has not commented on the allegations but the Mirror Online understands them to be inaccurate.
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The couples are neighbours in Norfolk, where Kate and William, 36, have a country house, Anmer Hall, and the Cholmondeleys reside at Houghton Hall, a mansion first built for Britain’s first Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole.
According to the Daily Mail, the gossip started making the rounds at dinner parties last year.
There has been talk the rumours were started to damage Kate, the report added.
A Cholmondeley family source said the rumours have taken on a life of their own.
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The source said: "These hurtful rumours of a fall-out are simply false.
"William and David were in touch with each other over the weekend, not knowing whether to laugh or complain.
"Both wives are hurt by the suggestion that there is any argument or even a coolness between them. They have plans for future events involving their charity."
Kate and Rose are royal patron and patron, respectively, of the charity East Anglia Children’s Hospices.
Another source told the Daily Mail that the Cambridges and Cholmondeleys see each other only occasionally and they don't have a "bosom-close" friendship.
The Cholmondeleys attended William and Kate's wedding in 2011.
Over the weekend reports claimed Kate had asked William to phase out the Cholmondeleys, and that the Duke of Cambridge had attempted to play peacemaker.
Both William and former filmmaker David are said to be baffled by the rumours and have insisted there is no rift.
Kensington Palace declined to comment.
