Princess Kate has "very few people to confide in" after Meghan Markle quit royal duties, a royal commentator has claimed.
The Princess of Wales underwent "planned abdominal surgery" last month, and is currently recuperating at her home in Windsor.
According to Jennie Bond, a former royal correspondent, Kate does not have as many confidants within the Firm since the Duchess of Sussex moved to the US four years ago.
She said: "Being in the Royal Family is a lonely place and Kate’s got very few people now, especially after the Queen’s death, who she can go to and confide in.
Meghan Markle quit royal duties four years ago
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"Think back to when Diana and Fergie were always giggling and would help each other let off steam… Kate hasn’t got that.
"The fact that things didn’t work out with Meghan was a real blow because Prince Harry’s bride would have been another person stuck in the same situation."
Despite this, the princess, 42, has a "strong inner circle" outside of the Royal Family, including her parents and siblings.
Bond added: "One reason Kate has made such a success of her royal role is because she has a strong inner circle – and it extends way beyond her parents and siblings.
Princess Kate is recuperating at Adelaide CottageGetty"Carole and Pippa have obviously been on hand during Kate’s recovery, I’m sure Carole must have been very worried about her daughter and has probably been clucking around like a mother hen.
"But sometimes, your oldest friends – who’ve been with you through thick and thin – are just the ticket.
"Kate has maintained deep friendships with several of her schoolmates, who obviously knew her way before royalty came her way, so they’ll know just how to help.
"Kate has also forged strong friendships with many of William’s crowd, and they will all have been offering practical help – particularly with the children – as William juggles his work commitments with his priority of caring for his wife and family.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved to the US in 2020
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Maria Borrallo has worked for the Waleses as their nanny since 2014
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"Sophie will have been calling to see if she can help out. After all, she went through a near-fatal emergency during the birth of her daughter Lady Louise and also suffered an ectopic pregnancy, so she knows exactly what it’s like to have major surgery and come through it."
Kate's nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, has served as royal nanny to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis since 2014.
Bond continued telling OK!: "Kate must feel Maria is worth her weight in gold and that she can trust her children’s welfare to her as she continues her recovery."