Who Are Prince William's Closest Friends? A Look At His Inner Circle

Prince William and his spouse, Kate Middleton have been the subject of several rumors and conspiracy theories, because of Kate's absence from royal responsibilities. During a visit to northern England on Tuesday, Prince William stated that his wife Kate Middleton "needs to be sat here" amid the 'Kate Gate' controversy engulfing the British Royal Family, as per India TV's report.

However, all through the backlash, Prince William has on his side a group of strong friends that he can count upon when the going gets tough. The group members mostly belong to Eton College and St. Andrews University where William spent most of his formative years, and also met his then wife to-be, Kate Middleton.

His friends have supported him through nearly every significant life event, including his engagement to Kate, their 2011 royal wedding, and of course the arrival of his three children. Some of them have even been chosen to serve as godparents, and William has also served as the godfather to their offspring.

1. William Van Cutsem

The Cutsems and the English Royal family share a long history together. The father of the Cutsem brothers, Hugh Van Cutsem Sr. is the schooltime best friend of King Charles since Cambridge. Cutsem Sr. has four sons, Nicholas, Edward, William, and Hugh Jr. Interestingly, Edward was one of the page boys during Charles' wedding to Princess Diana and is his godson.

2. Hugh Van Cutsem, or, Hugh Jr.

William van Cutsem's elder brother is Hugh Van Cutsem, or Hugh Jr. . The family kept their strong relationship with the royal family when their father passed away in 2013. In 2011, his daughter Grace participated in Prince William and Kate's royal wedding as a bridesmaid. Grace also has Prince William as her godfather.

3. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton

From 2005 to 2013, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former equerry to the Queen Mother, worked as Prince William and Prince Harry's private assistant. In July 2021, he had earlier gone to Kensington Palace grounds to see the inauguration of the statue honoring their late mother, Princess Diana. William, the son of Lowther-Pinkerton, served as one of the page boys during William and Kate's 2011 nuptials. Lowther-Pinkerton is also Prince George's godfather.

4. Oliver Baker

Oliver, who studied with William and Kate at St. Andrew's University in Scotland, is a close friend of both of them. In addition, he is a godparent to Prince George.

5. James Meade

James went to Eton College with Prince William back in 2000. James resides close to William and Kate's Norfolk country estate, Anmer Hall, with his wife, Lady Laura. At William and Kate's royal wedding in 2011, James co-delivered a portion of Thomas van Straubenzee's best man speech. Princess Charlotte also has him as her godfather.

6. Thomas van Straunbenzee

Since Thomas and William both attended Ludgrove Prep School, he among the Prince's closest and most enduring friends. He offered the toast at the wedding reception and was one of the ushers during the 2011 royal wedding with James Meade. In exchange, William acted as an usher at Thomas's 2013 wedding. In addition, Thomas also has the responsibility of being Princess Charlotte's godfather.

7. Guy Pelly

Guy assisted in planning William's bachelor celebration. Guy, a well-known nightclub entrepreneur, is renowned for keeping his wealthy friends under wraps. In 2014, both Princes were present at his wedding to Elizabeth Wilson. They first became friends in 2001 when they went on a fox hunt together, and they have been there for each other's life events ever since. Guy is one of Prince Louis' godfathers, in spite of his reputation for wild parties.

8. Harry Aubrey-Fletcher

The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, is the father of Harry. At Harry's 2011 marriage to Sarah Stourton, the oldest child of Baron Edward Stourton, William served as an usher.