Princess Kate's 'success' in the Royal Family explained by key factor

Princess Kate can put her "success" in the Royal Family down to several factors, such as her loving relationship with Prince William and her ability to connect to people, however one expert believes there is one thing that has been especially important.

The Princess of Wales has been out of the spotlight so far in 2024 after she underwent major abdominal surgery last month, and she continues to recover at home in Windsor.

Royal watchers will no doubt be keen to see her as soon as she feels able to get out and about, although this is not expected to be until Easter at the earliest.

Former royal correspondent Jennie Bond claims that the strong support system Kate has built around her will have helped her get through this difficult time, as it has helped her to thrive in the Firm so far.

She told OK! magazine: "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.

"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 maintained several close friendships from her school days at Marlborough College, and is very close to her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, who live not too far away from her home Adelaide Cottage.

However the Princess has also worked hard to integrate herself into William's friendship group, which will have been hugely beneficial for her time in the Royal Family.

Ms Bond added: "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."

William has been back at work recently having taken time off to care for Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis while she recuperates.

The exact nature of Kate's condition is not known, however Kensington Palace have confirmed her operation was not related to cancer.

Royal expert Richard Eden defended her decision not to be so open about her health, as he said: "I think that there’s no reason why she should she feel bullied into give more details.

"If she wants to, at a later point, fine, that’s up to her. But, she shouldn’t feel that she has to."