Prince William is reportedly relying on a new “inner circle” of confidantes as his wife, Kate Middleton, continues her cancer treatment.
It’s no surprise that the Prince of Wales, 41, no longer has his younger brother, Prince Harry, to turn to for support.
The pair’s relationship became seemingly nonexistent after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, quit royal life in 2020 and moved to the US — where the pair have launched several attacks on the royals.
Ever since the transatlantic move, Harry has not been part of William’s close-knit group — prompting the heir to the throne to lean on his “replacement” brothers.
“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,” royal expert Jennie Bond told OK Magazine.
“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.”
Palace insiders say that the ongoing rift between both camps has made it difficult for everyone.
And according to Bond, William is now relying on Peter Phillips — Princess Anne’s 46-year-old son — for support, as well as his cousin-in-law, Mike Tindall.
“I can imagine the three of them having a lot of fun together. This is William’s inner circle,” Bond told the outlet. “People he can trust absolutely and who are showing that they are there for him when the going gets tough.”
Bond went on to say that the Duke of Sussex, 39, “is not, and will not, be here to help or provide a shoulder to cry on.”
“This is a time when William needs all the love and support he can get from his family,” she added.
“And so I’m really glad that William has a cousin who is almost like a a brother to him in Peter Phillips,” she continued, adding that Phillips is “incredibly down to earth, solid and has been there” for William for years.
Bond added that the current situation gives the public “a glimpse of the future” once 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,” she noted.
