Royal fans already have an idea about who the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle regards as her close friends, thanks to her celebrity status.
Fans wouldn’t have to scramble for names of the trusty pals, which include tennis player Serena Williams, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, stylist Jessica Mulroney, Suits star Abigail Spencer, Quantico actress Priyanka Chopra, and fashion designer Misha Nonoo. But have you ever wondered who’s in the inner circle of Kate Middleton?
Sure, we know a lot of fun facts about the Duchess of Cambridge like where she went to school and how she met Prince William.
We’ve even seen the atypical side of Kate Middleton from back in the day when she was gracing the runways of charity fashion shows in lace see-through dresses.
Some other common facts about Kate include her love for sports when she was still studying; and how she was a commoner born from a pilot father and a flight stewardess mother before her life completely turned around.
However, there is little knowledge about her support system amid the public chaos. Let’s get to know some of the closest friends in Kate’s entourage:
Emilia Jardine-Paterson
Kate and Emilia are often seen together at key events, hinting that their friendship has remained strong since their college days when they attended Marlborough together years ago.
She is Prince George’s godparent and has her own interior design company. The blonde has been discreet but she has always been by the Duchess’ side – in 2007 when Kate briefly split with Prince William, Emilia was the one who helped her through the tough time by taking her to Ibiza for a holiday.
Plus, she was reportedly the one who lent a hand when Kate decided to redecorate the Anmer Hall and Kensington Palace.
Her husband, David, also went to the same school as Prince William. Emilia has been photographed with the Duchess frequently but has chosen to remain away from the spotlight.
Lady Laura and James Meade
Laura Meade, the daughter of the 8th Earl of Romney Julian Marshal, has been spotted many a time with Kate and the kids.
Not only are they friends but the lady’s husband, James Meade, is one of Prince William’s best buddies.
Both men were from Eton College and became close, so it’s not surprising to see James co-deliver his best man’s speech with Thomas van Straubenzee during the Duke and Duchess’ wedding in 2011.
Prince William also became the usher at James and Laura’s wedding two years later. The couple lived near Anmer Hall, close to Kate and William’s holiday home in Norfolk, where the Duchess hails from. James, who is Princess Charlotte’s godfather, is the son of Olympic gold medalist Richard Meade.
Sophie Carter
Sophie Carter tied the knot with Robert Snuggs in Norfolk in September last year, which was graced by the Cambridges.
She and Kate have such a close friendship that even the other members of the Middleton family know who she is.
Naturally, she was chosen as a godparent to Princess Charlotte, and photos would be enough to show just how much she and the little girl get along.
Sophie also used to be date Prince William’s close pal Van Straubenzee, but what they now have in common is being Charlotte’s godparents.
Additionally, she seems not only close to Kate but to other royal family members as well. Last year, she was a guest at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s nuptials, where she hung close to Kate and William.
Speaking of weddings, she also attended Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ nuptial in 2017.
Trini Foyle
Trini Foyle and Kate have been friends for many decades now, which explains her frequent pop-ups on special occasions with the Cambridges.
She and the royal knew each other since they were 14 while attending the Marlborough high school. Like Emilia, Trini also helped her friend during her split with Prince William in 2007.
She received her master’s degree from Edinburgh University and became an assistant in politician Jeremy Hunt’s office. Trini has also been spotted at the Kensington Gardens and in 2014 while watching Cirque du Soleil along with other friends.
Hannah Carter
Hannah Carter (nee Gillingham) is so close to the Cambridges that when she tied the knot with Robert Carter the royal couple attended the very special occasion. She is also the godparent to Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
