Social media and gossip in exclusivity

The rumoured cheating scandal currently involving Prince William refuses to go away. But, how did a member of their circle spread the news? By using these elite social media accounts, writes Buhle Mbonambi

The Cambridge’s celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary recently, however there were certainly no celebrations as Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are currently embroiled in a cheating scandal.

The couple has reportedly been dealing with the leak of William’s rumoured affair with Kate’s best friend, Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Since the news broke in March, the royals have been trying to make the story go away, with William even instructing his lawyers to send letters to various British publications, warning them on reporting on what they call “a false story”.

But somehow the story is not going away and that’s because Kate has allegedly imposed a fatwa on her friend, banning her from all social events and also from their inner social circle in rural Norfolk.

Word soon got out that Rose has been iced and that’s when the members of the so-called Turnip

Toffs – which is the name given to aristocrats in the area – started sharing the gossip.

Since most of them want to and lead private lives, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp are probably not the platforms they would use to share the latest news about the affair.

Privacy is not always guaranteed and even if messages are encrypted, they can still be hacked and “screengrabbed” for the whole world to see.

For a matter as delicate as this rumoured royal affair, the Turnip Toffs would probably use these social media sites to talk about the biggest royal scandal since Charles and Camilla.

BEST OF ALL WORLDS

Founded by Erik Wachtmeister, a Swedish count, Best Of All Worlds (BOAW) is probably the most popular social media platform that the wealthy, famous and royalty use to communicate.

Funded by members of the

Saudi royal family, the social media platform is only for the elite and shares information on the latest invite-only parties, and also discussion forums for the users to talk about rich people problems.

Even though Wachtmeister has still not revealed who members of the BOAW are, it is believed many of them are European royalty and members of rarefied social circles.

THE MARQUEE

Founded by South African, Andrew Wessels, The Marque is also another by-invitation only social media site for the ultra wealthy.

Charging £1 000 (about R18 687) a year, you can only be asked to join by another member, making it one of the most exclusive social media sites.

Being invited is just one step – you still have to undergo a strict vetting process to make sure that you are the right pedigree to be a member of The Marquee.

RAYA

It’s no secret that the wealthy prefer to be with people in their own circle. Traditions like arranged marriages are still a thing (the recent Ambani weddings where their children married other wealthy scions) and it’s all about preserving the wealth and the social circle.

That’s what Raya, a social media dating site specifically for the wellhealed, is there for. It’s a favourite of celebrities and aristocrats.

ELEQT

While not specifically for aristocratic and famous, Eleqt is definitely for the wealthy and influential members of the international party scene.

You would probably find some of the world’s top socialites, like Lady Victoria Hervey and Hofit Golan, and it’s literally all about living the high life.

The site also keeps members updated with all the latest trends in fashion, finance, travel, food, and many more areas of luxury lifestyle. Membership is also by-invitation only and you have to undergo a vetting process. With a membership fee that starts at £3000 (about R56 061) a year, it’s clearly not for everyone.