Duchess Kate’s Inner Circle: Meet Her Squad of Friends

The Duchess of Cambridge has always had a strong support system, particularly since her relationship with Prince William came to light.

As she prepared for life under the royal spotlight, Kate assembled a handful of people to become her inner circle.

Many of her friends hail from her school and university days, and they have remained very close to her over the years.

These friends have been by her side during almost every important milestone in her life, including her engagement to William, their royal wedding in 2011, and the birth of their three children.

In January, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured heading to church in Sandringham with a group of their close friends, Lady Laura Mead and husband James Mead, as well as Emilia Jardine-Patterson and her husband David.

Let's take a closer look at some of the members of Kate's inner circle:

1.

Lady Laura Mead
Lady Laura Mead, formerly Laura Marsham, is the daughter of Julian Marsham, 8th Earl of Romney.

She is married to one of Prince William's best friends, James Mead, who co-delivered the best man's speech at the royal wedding in 2011.

The Duke returned the favor and played usher at his Etonian friends' big day two years later.

James is also Princess Charlotte's godfather.

Lady Laura is Prince Louis' godmother.

2.

Emilia Jardine Patterson
Emilia attended Marlborough College with Kate, and the pair have been close ever since.

Following the royal couple's brief split in 2007, Emilia accompanied Kate on holiday to Ibiza.

She has since been made one of Prince George's godmothers and currently runs an interior design company.

It has previously been reported that she helped Kate redecorate Kensington Palace in Anmer Hall.

Her husband David also attended Eton College with William.

3.

James Meade
James, who is the son of Richard Meade, the Olympic three-day eventer, attended Eton College with Prince William back in 2000.

Along with his wife Lady Laura, the couple live near Anmer Hall, which is William and Kate's country home in Norfolk.

In 2011, James delivered the best man's speech with Thomas Van Straubenzee at William and Kate's royal wedding.

He is also godfather to Princess Charlotte.

4.

Oliver Baker
Oliver was a student with William and Kate at St Andrew's University in Scotland.

He is also one of Prince George's godparents.

5.

Sophie Carter
Sophie is one of Kate's closest friends and was chosen to be one of Princess Charlotte's godmothers.

The Duchess asked her goddaughter to be a bridesmaid at Sophie's wedding in September.

The two have been pictured at various events together, from Wimbledon to Christmas Day church services in Norfolk.

Sophie even joined the Cambridges during their skiing vacation in 2016.

She once used to date Thomas Van Straubenzee, Prince William's close friend who also happens to be Princess Charlotte's godfather.

Sophie was also a guest at Pippa Middleton's wedding and Prince Harry and Meghan's royal nuptials.

6.

Trini Foyle
Trini and Kate have been best friends since they were 14 years old after attending Marlborough School together.

After Marlborough, Trini took an MA in politics at Edinburgh University, and it worked as an assistant in the office of Jeremy Hunt MP.

Trini is also a mother to a young son called Alexander, whom she shares with her husband Ted Foyle.

The close friends have often been seen taking Alexander for a walk in Kensington Gardens.

7.

Hannah Carter
Hannah, née Gillingham, is one of Kate's best friends from school.

Both William and Kate attended her wedding to Robert Carter, the son of wealthy Norfolk landowner Robert Carter, in May 2012, which coincided with the royal couple's first wedding anniversary.

Hannah is also one of Prince Louis' godparents.

Kate's inner circle is made up of a diverse group of people who have been there for her during both good times and bad.

They have supported her through some of the most important moments in her life and continue to be an important part of her support system today.

As the Duchess of Cambridge continues to navigate her royal duties, she can count on her friends to be there for her every step of the way.