While there are ongoing rumors about Kate Middleton’s absence and her connections with other royals, a few intimate friends have stayed by her side as she recuperates from abdominal surgery.
Even though Kate is typically in the public eye, she is known to be rather private in her personal life, and she has a small group of friends and confidants who have been with her for many years.
Speaking to OK, royal expert Jennie Bond stated: ‘One reason Kate has been so successful in her royal duties is because she has a strong group of close friends – and it goes beyond just her parents and siblings.
‘But sometimes your longest-standing friends – who have been there for you through thick and thin – are just what you need. Kate has maintained deep friendships with several of her school mates, who knew her well before she became royalty and therefore know just how to help.’
So who does Kate spend time with when she’s not carrying out royal responsibilities and facing public attention? Here are five individuals who the Duchess of Cambridge regards as her closest friends.
Emilia Jardine-Paterson
Widely recognized as Kate’s oldest and closest friend, Emilia Jardine Paterson is believed to be her most valued confidant and an irreplaceable presence in her life.
An interior designer by profession, Emilia attended Marlborough College with Kate and is said to be the one who initially introduced her to Prince William at a party in 1999, when they were only 17.
Emilia is said to have played a role in the redecoration of both Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall, which is Kate’s country residence in Norfolk.
Her husband, David Jardine-Paterson, is a descendant of wealthy Scottish landowners and attended Eton with William, and they have three children together: Alexander, Leo, and Lucia, who are all around the same age as the royal children.
Emilia was reportedly one of the first individuals asked to be Prince George’s godmother, and she remains one of Kate’s most trusted confidantes to this day.
Lady Laura Meade
Another close friend and confidant of Kate’s, Lady Laura lives in Norfolk not far from Anmer Hall and is often seen with the Duchess at social gatherings and events.
Her husband, James Meade, also attended Eton with William and gave a Best Man’s speech at the couple’s wedding in 2011.
The couples have remained close over the years and have been seen going on double-dates together on multiple occasions.
Lady Laura was also named godmother to Prince Louis in 2018, while Mr Meade, known as ‘Meadey’ to his friends, once participated in a charity boxing match attended by William and Kate and is one of Princess Charlotte’s godfathers.
Sophie Snuggs
Sophie Snuggs, a close family friend of the Middletons, has been part of royal circles for numerous years and is one of a select group of English farming families known as the ‘Turnip Toffs.’
The person from Norfolk often goes to royal gatherings and has been seen on several skiing trips with Kate. She has also previously joined the royal family for their walk to church in Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Sophie initially dated Thomas van Straubenzee, one of William’s close 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 present at the party, with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte also attracting attention as page boy and flower girl.
Sophie is also Princess Charlotte’s godmother, and seems to have a close bond with her. She was seen holding the young princess 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
Even though her official title is Kensington Palace’s PA, Natasha Archer has often been called Princess Kate’s right-hand woman, as well as her stylist.
Natasha has been part of Kate’s life for many years, and was even one of the first people outside of the family to meet Prince George.
Recently, she has also been important to Kate’s recovery and has been seen leaving The London Clinic after the Princess had surgery in January.
A source told Grazia: ‘Natasha and Kate have a very good relationship. She has always supported and advised Kate – and the royal loves Natasha’s style, so it seemed like a natural choice.’
Pippa Middleton
More than just sisters, the Princess of Wales and her younger sister are also best friends who spend as much time together as possible.
Pippa plays an active role as aunt to Kate’s three children, and the two now have children who are similar in age.
Kate has always trusted Pippa with important moments in her life, from making her maid-of-honour to organizing her hen do, and she remains a key part of her support system.
Regarding 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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