Kate's loyal inner circle aiding her recovery from right-hand woman to royal BFF
As she juggles royal duties with bringing up her children, the Princess of Wales often relies on a tight-knit inner circle.
And as she recovers at home from abdominal surgery after a two-week stay in hospital, she will be leaning on those closest to her even more in the coming weeks. Of course, she will be counting on husband Prince William the most during her recuperation period, with the Prince of Wales clearing his diary to care for his wife as well as their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
However, there will be several other family, friends and even staff, who will also be doing their bit to pitch in until Kate is back on her feet...
Middleton family
One group who will definitely be on hand for Kate are her parents Carole and Michael Middleton as well as her siblings Pippa and James.
The Princess of Wales is recovering from surgery (SplashNews.com)All four live a short drive from Windsor in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury and are expected to be hands-on in helping the Waleses navigate the next few months as the princess recovers. In fact, when Kate first went to hospital earlier this month, her family were said to be quick to rally, clearing their diaries to help out however they could.
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Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told HELLO!: "The Middletons are a really close family and Carole is a very hands-on grandmother, and I'm sure she will be at the helm. She often picks the kids up. Pippa has children of her own now, but I'm sure she will help by offering to have the kids round for tea and that kind of thing."
Kate with her mum Carole and younger sister Pippa (Alamy Stock Photo)Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo
William and Kate are known for having only a few staff - but one who has probably become invaluable over the past few weeks is their loyal and long-standing nanny.
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo was first hired by William and Kate when Prince George was just eight months old and she has also cared for their younger children Charlotte and Louis. The Spanish-born nanny attended the prestigious Norland College in Bath, which has been training nannies for the rich and famous since 1892. Its curriculum includes sewing, cooking and nappy-changing, as well as skid-pan training and self-defence.
Maria with the royals at Princess Charlotte's christening (Getty Images)
Maria has worked for the family since Prince George was eight months old (PA)When the family lived at Kensington Palace, Maria was often seen accompanying the children to the Round Pond - a stone's throw from her quarters. Her private living space included a bedroom, kitchenette, lounge and bathroom. She also has a private apartment at William and Kate's Norfolk country home of Anmer Hall.
However, as William and Kate's latest home Adelaide Cottage has just four bedrooms, she no longer lives with the family. Although she works for them full-time, she now lives elsewhere alongside other staff who previously lived with the family including a housekeeper and a chef.
Natasha Archer
Another trusted member of staff who will be by Kate's side is her personal assistant Natasha Archer. The mum-of-two first started working for the Royal Family in 2007 and eventually for Kate after she married William. The pair are said to have grown a strong friendship, with Natasha taking on the informal role of 'style advisor'. In fact, it is reportedly thanks to Natasha's expertise that Kate opted for a more 'regal' look on her tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Kate's PA and stylist Natasha Archer pictured in April 2016 (PA)
Natasha has worked for the royals since 2007 (PA)Natasha, who is married to royal photographer Chris Jackson, has been with Kate during some of the most important moments of her life. In 2013, the day after the birth of Prince George, Kate's close friend was snapped arriving at the Lindo Wing with a baby car seat and a dress bag.
On Monday, when Kate left hospital, Natasha was also seen driving away from the London Clinic a short time after the princess left and was followed by a car that appeared to be laden with flowers and other get-well gifts.
Natalie Barrows
Also aiding Kate in her recovery will be her assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows. As one of her most trusted aides, she is often spotted out and about on engagements with the princess.
Natalie has worked for Kate since 2017 and her duties include co-ordinating the princess's diary, organising travel and briefing her boss ahead of meeting important dignitaries.
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Since news of Kate's surgery, Kensington Palace has contacted Kate's 30 charities to postpone and reschedule engagements, while Natalie has stepped up - along with William’s private secretary Jean-Christophe Gray - to help ensure her work continues. Kate's recent work includes Shaping Up, a campaign to raise public awareness over the importance of the first five years of a child's life.
The 42-year-old future Queen is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter. It is understood her return to official duties will depend on medical advice nearer the time.
The Duchess of Edinburgh
Meanwhile, one royal whom Kate is known to be close to and could pop by to visit as she lives close by is the Duchess of Edinburgh. When it came to learning the ropes of royal life, Sophie was a huge support to Kate and they've remained close ever since. Despite their 17-year age gap, the two royal women are often seen laughing and joking at events and have even carried out joint engagements for their shared passions.
Kate with the Duchess of Edinburgh (Yui Mok/AP/REX/Shutterstock)One thing that Sophie and Kate may have bonded over is the fact they both had relatively normal upbringings. Sophie grew up in a middle-class family like Kate without any of the trappings of royalty.
Both women attended regular schools and had experience of holding down normal jobs before marrying into the Firm. Before Sophie married Edward in 1999, she worked in PR, while before Kate's wedding to Prince William in 2011, she was an accessories buyer at fashion chain Jigsaw. On marrying their husbands, both women also had to learn to navigate royal life and carry out engagements, with both now being seen as major assets to the Firm.
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