Prince William relies on a new inner circle

Sources close to Prince William say that as Princess Catherine, who we all know and love as Kate Middleton, recovers from cancer treatments and preventive chemotherapy, the heir to the throne relies on a new “restricted circle” of confidants. Of course, it’s no secret that William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, is no longer part of this close-knit group, thanks to whatever happened when he left his role as a royal senior and published a revealing memoir, Spare.

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

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

Bond notes that William spends more time and relies on Peter Phillips (Princess Anne’s 46-year-old son) and his 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 in the royal family anytime soon, but could also lend an ear and a shoulder to William.

Bond added that “(Harry) is not and will not be there to help or provide a shoulder to cry on.”

In addition to his wife’s health problems, William also has to deal with his father’s cancer diagnosis. King Charles is also currently receiving treatment.

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

The expert went on to say that Phillips “formed a physical bridge between (the brothers) when Harry returned 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, alongside William’s other ‘stand-in’ brother, Mike Tindall. I can imagine the three of them having a lot of fun together. This is William’s inner circle.

Speaking about their close friendship, Bond ended by saying that William needs to be with people he can “trust” and that Phillips and Tindall are great guys who he can count on now and when he sits on the throne in as king.

“People that he can absolutely trust and show that they are there for him when things get tough,” Bond said of what William needs to manage Kate’s recovery, his father’s treatments and his own busy schedule. “I think it gave us a glimpse of the future when William becomes king. He may not have his brother by his side, but he will have a band of loyal and close relatives to help him represent the monarchy .I am sure that, whenever they can, they will step up to help William when the burden of kingship finally falls on his shoulders.