How Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, is blossoming in the court of Queen Camilla, writes RICHARD EDEN

While the Princess of Wales is missing from public life as she undergoes treatment for cancer, one of her friends is taking an increasingly prominent role at court.

The Marchioness of Cholmondeley, who lives next door to Prince William and Catherine's Norfolk retreat, Anmer Hall, is said to have become close to Queen Camilla.

Last weekend, the marchioness, former model Rose Hanbury, 40, was pictured curtsying to the Queen at Badminton House in Gloucestershire, where they attended the horse trials. 

Badminton is owned by the Duke of Beaufort, rock musician 'Bunter', who's a close friend of Rose's father, Tim Hanbury.

The Marchioness of Cholmondeley (pictured with her husband David Cholmondeley), who lives next door to Prince William and Catherine's Norfolk retreat, Anmer Hall, is said to have become close to Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla with King Charles earlier this month. Last weekend, the marchioness, former model Rose Hanbury, 40, was pictured curtsying to the Queen at Badminton House in Gloucestershire, where they attended the horse trials

Just a few days later, one of Rose's twin sons, Lord Oliver, held the royal robes at St Paul's Cathedral, where he was page of honour to the King and Queen at a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire. 

Rose's husband, David, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, who turns 64 next month, is a Lord-in-Waiting to the King.

While Catherine was absent, Rose gave a subtle nod to her style by wearing the same black, drop-brim hat by royal favourite Lock & Co that the princess has worn in the past.