KATE'S CREW
Inside Princess Kate’s fiercely loyal inner circle – from ‘Roger Federer’ private secretary to VIP she speaks to daily
We revealed the staff member dubbed as Kate's 'right-hand woman'
PRINCESS Kate is currently recovering at home following her abdominal surgery, and is being cared for by Prince William and her three kids.
However, she also has a fiercely loyal inner circle that are supporting her during this time, as she takes a break from royal duties until at least Easter.
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The Princess of Wales, 42, hasn’t undertaken public engagements since Christmas, although she was spotted in a car near Windsor Castle yesterday with Prince William.
Kensington Palace did release a heartwarming snap of Kate and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on Sunday for Mother’s Day - but fans were quick to claim it had a number of "editing fails".
The image was claimed to have been digitally altered - with photo agencies forced to order a "kill notice" on the pic - before Kate released a statement owning up to "experimenting with editing".
Rob Jobson, author of Our King: Charles III – The Man and the Monarch Revealed, told The Sun it wasn't Kate's fault.
He said "we can't really blame Kate" but added Kensington Palace should have known it "hasn't passed muster" - and Kate had "done them a favour" by accepting responsibility for the bungle.
It was the first time Kate has posted in months - but while she keeps a low profile, here is the close-knit team surrounding her…
The Middletons
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According to royal expert Angela Levin, although Kate is away from the public eye, there is one person who she is likely to be speaking to daily.
She told Fabulous: “I imagine Catherine will want to talk to her sister Pippa every day and hear about how each of their family is getting on.
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“Catherine trusts her totally so she can talk freely about her concerns.
“As she can with her mother, Carole Middleton.”
Meanwhile, doting husband Prince William will be a great support system, with the royal expert adding: “He’s made it clear he wants to be with her as much as she needs.
Last Monday, the Princess of Wales was spotted with mum Carole, 69, as they drove in an Audi near Windsor Castle on Monday.
Natasha Archer
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Kate underwent the “planned major abdominal surgery” in January at the London Clinic in Mayfair, and one of the trusted few who visited her during her stay was her personal assistant and stylist, Natasha Archer.
The close staff member has worked with the Princess of Wales for over a decade and was pictured leaving the hospital where Kate stayed, following her discharge.
Mum-of-two Natasha has been loyally by Kate’s side for some of the biggest royal events of the past decade, from the Coronation to royal births and overseas tours.
The 36-year-old stylist - married to royal photographer Chris Jackson - largely keeps out of the public eye, has been responsible for some of Kate’s most iconic fashion looks.
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In December 2018, she was rewarded for her service and was invited to become a Member of the Royal Victoria Order.
According to Grazia, the Queen requested that Natasha was hired to make Kate's wardrobe look “regal”.
A source said at the time: “Natasha’s main role is as a PA, but over the last few months she has assisted Kate as a style adviser.
“Natasha and Kate get on very well. She has always supported and advised Kate - and the Duchess loves Natasha’s style, so it seemed like an obvious appointment. Natasha has been helping Kate pick outfits for the [New Zealand and Australia] tour.”
Maria Borrallo
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Prince William has been doing the school run for George, Charlotte, and Louis, as they study at the £7,000-a-term Lambrook School, which is a nine-mile drive away from their home Adelaide Cottage.
The family moved into the Windsor home during the summer of 2022 for a more rural life, and reportedly now have no live-in staff.
This includes the couple's former live-in nanny, Maria Borrallo, who has resided with the couple since George was a baby.
However, Kate will “rely” on Maria’s “invaluable” help at this time, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told : “Kate has obviously had significant surgery. As a hands on mother when possible, she will need to rest as much as she can.
“This means she will rely on Maria a great deal in the coming weeks and maybe months.
“There is going to be very considerable speculation as to when William is able to resume royal duties. Obviously, especially given the temporary incapacity of King Charles, the sooner the better. This makes Maria's contribution at this difficult time all the more invaluable.”
Lieutenant Tom White
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Kate’s inner circle has gained a new member as the royal has hired a new private secretary.
The Princess of Wales has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Tom White to the role.
Tom previously worked as Queen Elizabeth II’s former equerry and is filling a vacant role, as Kate hasn’t had a private secretary for over a year.
Towards the end of 2023, he joined the Princess of Wales at a public event to show him what the role could entail.
Before working for the Queen up until her death in September 2022, Tom was a Royal Marines officer who served in Afghanistan in 2009.
Photos of Kate's new private secretary have circulated online, with royal fans gushing that he bears a striking resemblance to tennis legend Roger Federer.
Natalie Barrows
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Another staff member supporting Kate will be her assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows.
Natalie has worked with the Princess of Wales since 2017 and her duties include organising her diary and travel and briefing her ahead of meetings.
She’s one of Kate’s most trusted aides and often spotted with her on public engagements.
According to Tatler, she has grown to be Kate’s “trusted right-hand woman”, and her capability was recognised by the late in 2019, when she made her Member of the Royal Victorian Order.
Kensington Palace said previously Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The statement read: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
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"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
If the princess recovers according to plans, her first engagement back could be at the family service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Easter Sunday, March 31.
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