Who is part of Kate Middleton’s inner circle?
While rumours continue to swirl about Kate Middleton’s disappearance and her relationship with other royals, a number of close friends have remained by her side as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
Despite spending most of her time in the public eye, Kate is said to be quite a reserved person in private, who keeps a tight inner circle of friends and confidants who have been by her side her years.
Speaking to OK, royal expert Jennie Bond said: ‘One reason Kate has made such a success of her royal role is because she has a strong inner circle – and it extends way beyond her parents and siblings.
‘But sometimes your oldest friends – who’ve been with you through thick and thin – are just the ticket. Kate has maintained deep friendships with several of her school mates, who obviously knew her way before royalty came her way so they’ll know just how to help.’
So who are the people Kate spends time with when she’s not performing royal duties and being thrust into the spotlight? Here are five people who the Princess of Wales considers to be her closest friends.
Emilia Jardine-Paterson
Emilia Jardine-Paterson is one of Kate’s oldest friends (Picture: Getty)
Widely considered to be Kate’s oldest and closest friend, Emilia Jardine Paterson is said to be her most valued confidant and an irreplaceable figure in her life.
An interior designer by trade, Emilia studied at Marlborough College with Kate and is said to be the one who first introduced her to Prince William at a party in 1999, when they were just 17.
Emilia is thought to be partly responsible for some of the redecoration at both Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall, Kate’s countryside retreat in Norfolk.
Her husband, David Jardine-Paterson, is a descendant of wealthy Scottish landowners and attended Eton with William, and together they have three children: Alexander, Leo, and Lucia, who are all similar ages to the royal children.
Emilia was reportedly one of the first people asked to be Prince George’s godmother, and she remains one of Kate’s most trusted confidantes to tis day.
Lady Laura Meade
Lady Laura Meade and her husband James are both close friends of the royals and frequently attend double dates together (Picture: PA)
Another close friend and confidant of Kate’s, Lady Laura lives in Norfolk not far from Anmer Hall and is frequently spotted with the Princess at social events and parties.
Her husband, James Meade, also attended Eton with William and delivered a Best Man’s speech at the couple’s wedding in 2011.
The couples have remained close over the years and have been spotted going on double-dates together on a number of occasions.
Lady Laura was also named godmother to Prince Louis in 2018, while Mr Meade, known as ‘Meadey’ to his friends, once took part in a charity boxing match attended by William and Kate and is one of Princess Charlotte’s godfathers.
Sophie Snuggs
Sophie Snuggs has moved in royal circles for years (Picture: Getty)
Sophie Snuggs, a close family friend of the Middletons, has moved in royal circles for years and is one of an elite group of English farming families known as the ‘Turnip Toffs.’
The Norfolk native is a regular at royal events, and has been spotted attending a number of skiing trips alongside Kate. She has also previously joined the royals on their Christmas Day walk to church in Sandringham.
Sophie used Thomas van Straubenzee- of one William’s closest friends and best men at his wedding, but eventually settled down and married wealthy portfolio director Robert Snuggs at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.
William and Kate were both in attendance at the bash, with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte also stealing the show as page boy and flower girl.
Sophie is also Princess Charlotte’s godmother, and appears to share a close bond with her. She was snapped holding the young princess in her arms at her wedding, which was the first time the young princess had been seen in public being held by someone other than her parents.
Natasha Archer
Natasha Archer is known as Kate’s right-hand woman- and her stylist (Picture: Getty)
Although known by her official title of Kensington Palace’s PA, Natasha Archer has often been described as Princess Kate’s right-hand woman – as well as her stylist.
Natasha has been present in Kate’s life for many years, and was even one of the first people outside of the family to meet Prince George.
In recent months she has also proved to be essential to Kate’s recovery and has been spotted driving away from The London Clinic where the Princess underwent surgery in January.
A source told Grazia: ‘Natasha and Kate get on very well. She has always supported and advised Kate – and the royal loves Natasha’s style, so it seemed like an obvious appointment.’
Pippa Middleton
Pippa Middleton is Kate’s best friend as well as her sister (Picture: Shutterstock)
More than just sisters, the Princess of Wales and her younger sibling are also best friends who spend as much time together as possible.
Pippa plays the active role of auntie to Kate’s three children, and the two now have children of similar ages.
Kate has always trusted Pippa with important moments in her life, from appointing her maid-of-honour to organising her hen do, and she remains an integral part of her support network.
Speaking of their relationship, Pippa once said: ‘We spend a lot of time together. We have a very normal, sisterly relationship. We’re very close. And, you know, we support each other and get each other’s opinions and things.’
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