Meet Kate Middleton’s girl squad, with a teacher, a Lady and a Marchioness making up her inner circle
KATE Middleton turns 38 tomorrow and celebrated with pals at the weekend in Norfolk.
But who is in the Duchess of Cambridge’s inner circle? From a teacher to a Lady and a Marchioness, here’s who the royal is close to away from the spotlight…
Lady Laura Meade and husband James Meade
On Sunday, mum-of-three Kate was pictured going to church in Sandringham, ahead of her birthday on Thursday.
She was photographed with a number of her friends, including Lady Laura Meade, who she met through her husband.
Laura is married to James Meade, who did part of Prince William’s best man speech at the Cambridge’s 2011 wedding.
William was also usher to fellow Etonian James at his wedding, and the Meade couple play roles in the lives of the royal kids too.
Lady Laura is Prince Louis’ godmother, and James is Princess Charlotte’s godfather.
The couple live near Anmer Hall, which is Kate and William’s country retreat.
Emilia Jardine-Paterson
Emilia is one of Kate’s friends from her time back at Marlborough College, and they’ve remained fast friends ever since.
When Kate and William briefly split in 2007, it was Emilia who went to Ibiza with Kate on a break.
The interior designer is now one of Prince George’s godparents, and it has been rumoured she helped the duchess decorate Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall.
Her husband David also has close connections to the royals too, as he attended Eton College with William.
Zoe Warren
Kate has been pictured with pal Zoe at Royal Ascot, along with Lady Laura, and they certainly cut a glamorous trio.
Zoe’s daughter Zalia was a bridesmaid at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and is one of Harry’s goddaughters.
The Warrens have royal ties, as Zoe’s husband Jake’s dad, John Warren, is the Queen’s racing manager.
Rose Hanbury
was also pictured with Kate on Sunday, and their paths often cross in Norfolk as they live just three miles away from Anmer Hall.
Rose, who is the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, and her husband David have twin boys, Alexander and Oliver, and daughter Iris.
The boys have been playmates of Prince George and the couples had previously enjoyed dinner parties and attended weddings together.
In 2011, Rose and David attended the royal couple's wedding.
Hannah Carter
Hannah Carter, who was previously Hannah Gillingham before marriage, is one of Kate’s friends from Marlborough College.
The two were boarders at the private secondary school, which costs over £9,000 a term.
Despite her close relationship with best friend Kate, Hannah has remained largely out of the public eye.
The long-time friend was given the honour of being one of Prince Louis’ godparents.
Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended her wedding to Norfolk landowner Robert Carter in May 2012.
Trini Foyle
Trini is another of Kate’s close friends from school, along with Emilia and Hannah.
She ended up studying politics at Edinburgh University and once worked as an assistant in the office of Jeremy Hunt.
Trini, who is married to husband Ted Foyle, has previously been spotted with son Alexander walking Kensington Gardens.
Sophie Carter
Sophie has been friends with the elegant duchess for years, and even used to date one of Prince William’s pals, Thomas van Straubenzee.
Thomas was previously married to Lady Melissa Percy, but is now engaged to marry a teacher at Prince George's school, Lucy Lanigan-O'Keeffe, 31.
Sophie also lives close to Anmer Hall and was asked to be one of Princess Charlotte’s godmothers.
The two women have been pictured together on numerous occasions, from Christmas Day services to Wimbledon, and Sophie was even on the guestlist for Pippa Middleton’s wedding.
Sophie joined the Cambridge family on their ski trip in 2016.
Most read in Fabulous
Meanwhile, this is how tall the royal family are, after George posed with the Queen.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are back on duty for first engagement following six-week break.
We shared how Meghan Markle’s Suits co-star Abigail Spencer posts selfie after hiking with the Duchess and Prince Harry in Canada.