23 February 2024 , 09:44
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The Princess of Wales' absence has been strongly felt in recent weeks, as she's taking a break from official duties to recover from abdominal surgery. She's one of the most popular members of the Royal Family and fans have missed seeing her out and about.
And now, royal expert Jennie Bond has shared her thoughts on why Kate is so loved and how she's achieved so much "success" in The Firm. The former BBC reporter puts this down to one main factor: the strong support system that Kate has maintained around herself, which helps her get through the more challenging times living in the public eye.
Made up of her oldest friends from childhood, pals of her husband - Prince William - and her Middleton family, the expert believes that this has been key to her managing life as a senior royal, through the good times and the bad.
Speaking to OK Magazine, Jennie claimed that this network of confidants is, in her opinion, the secret to Kate's success.
"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. Carole and Pippa have obviously been on hand during Kate's recovery, I'm sure Carole must have been very worried about her daughter and has probably been clucking around like a mother hen."
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However, Bond believes that it isn't just Kate's close dynamic with her family that has helped her thrive as a royal, but also the close circle of friends she has kept around her, many of whom knew her before she officially joined the Royal Family when she got married back in 2011.
Kate with her mum Carole and sister Pippa (Alamy Stock Photo)"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 schoolmates, who obviously knew her way before royalty came her way, so they'll know just how to help."
Whilst Bond highlights the importance of these friends who have known Kate for so many years, back when she was just a private citizen and long before the royal spotlight was upon her, the expert also claims that the Princess of Wales being so well-integrated into her husband's social circle will also have helped her as she recovers from what Kensington Palace has called a "planned abdominal surgery" that Kate underwent in January.
"Kate has also forged strong friendships with many of William's crowd, and they will all have been offering practical help – particularly with the children – as William juggles his work commitments with his priority of caring for his wife and family."