Prince William Is Relying on a New Inner Circle

Sources close to Prince William say that as Princess Catherine, who we all know and love as Kate Middleton, is recovering from her cancer treatments and preventative chemotherapy, the heir to the throne is relying on a new "inner circle" of confidantes. Of course, it's no secret that William's younger brother, Prince Harry, is no longer a part of that close-knit group, thanks to everything that happened with him leaving his role as a senior royal and publishing a tell-all memoir, Spare.

Insiders say that the tension between William and Harry has made it difficult for everyone, but it's also meant that William has had to choose other members of his family to lean on.

“When two people in a family fall out, it makes life very difficult not only for them, but for the rest of the family, too,” Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, said, according to OK! “Loyalties are tested and there is no easy answer. This is a time when William needs all the love and support he can get from his family.” 

Bond notes that William has been spending more time and relying on Peter Phillips (Princess Anne's 46-year-old son) and cousin-in-law Mike Tindall. They were both in attendance at a Buckingham Palace garden party last week, as were Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who may not be working royals anytime soon, but could also lend an ear and a shoulder to William.

Bond added that “[Harry] is not, and will not, be here to help or provide a shoulder to cry on.”

In addition to his wife's health issues, William is also dealing with his father's cancer diagnosis. King Charles is currently receiving treatment, as well.

“I’m really glad that William has a cousin who is almost like a brother to him in Peter Phillips,” Bond continued. “Peter is incredibly down-to-earth, solid, and has been there for both William and Harry in good and bad times.”

The expert went on to say that Phillips “formed a physical bridge between [the brothers] when Harry came back for their grandfather’s funeral as he walked between the brothers—as if to keep the peace. It was good to see Peter supporting William at the recent Buckingham Palace garden party, along with William’s other ‘replacement’ brother, Mike Tindall. I can imagine the three of them having a lot of fun together. This is William’s inner circle.”

Speaking of their close friendship, Bond finished by saying that William must be with people he can "trust" and that Phillips and Tindall are great guys he can rely on now and when he's sitting on the throne as king.

“People he can trust absolutely and who are showing that they are there for him when the going gets tough," Bond said of what William needs as he navigates Kate's recovery, his father's treatments, and a full schedule of his own. "I think it gave us a glimpse of the future for when William becomes king. He may not have his brother at his side, but he will have a band of loyal and close relatives to help him represent the monarchy. I’m sure that, whenever they can, they will step up to help William when the burden of kingship finally falls on his shoulders.”

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57z6ugp5uVYsSquMuimKZlnprEbrXNp5yrZZOev6S4xGaimqyVYrqqsMOlnK2nnmKworrCnqlmcGZqhHiBmA%3D%3D