Prince William’s inner circle revealed: From friendships spanning more than decades to close family ties

No one can navigate life without friends, and Prince William is no exception. The future King — who was recently given a significant military role — has cultivated friendships that have stood the test of time. While his royal duties and public engagements are well-documented, the prince's personal relationships offer a more intimate look into his life away from the limelight.

Like Kate Middleton, he also has a close-knit group of friends who have stood by him through thick and thin.

Prince William’s inner circle of friends

Interestingly, some of his inner circle are also good friends with Prince Harry, and one has even visited the Sussexes in California. Here’s who they are:

William van Cutsem

The Van Cutsem family and the Royals go back a long way. William van Cutsem, more commonly known as ‘VC’ in his circle of friends, is the godfather of the future King, Prince George. He is understood to be a loke a brother to William. VC’s father, Hugh van Cutsem, was best friends with King Charles. According to PopSugar, when Princess Diana and Charles’s marriage fell apart, Princes William and Harry spent much of their time with the Van Cutsem family. In a more recent development, Prince William has appointed VC as an adviser for the Duchy Estate.

James Meade

James Meade has known both Prince Harry and William since childhood. Prince Harry’s infamous Nazi uniform gaffe, in fact, happened at one of Meade’s birthday parties at his house. It was a ‘Colonials and Natives' themed bash. Despite the feud between the brothers, Meade has maintained friendships with both Harry and William. Along with his wife, Lady Laura Marsham, the couple are godparents to Princess Charlotte—the richest child in the world.

Thomas van Straubenzee

Thomas van Straubenzee has also been friends with both Prince William and Harry since their school days at Ludgrove, reports MailOnline. He, along with James Meade, was an usher and gave a speech at William and Kate's 2011 wedding. Van Straubenzee also used to holiday with William in Cornwall when they were children. Despite his rowdy reputation, he’s one of Princess Charlotte’s godparents.

Oliver Baker

Like William and Kate, Oliver and his wife Mel are a St Andrews couple. Despite being Prince George’s godparent, Baker has remained tight-lipped about his friendship with the Royals. He used to play sports with Prince William in college and earned the moniker ‘Zipper Lips’ Baker.

Guy Pelly

‘Court jester’ Guy Pelly has an unbreakable bond with Princes William and Harry. Reportedly, he has also visited Harry and Meghan in California. He was once ostracised from the Royal fold on suspicions that he introduced Harry to drugs, but was welcomed back when the claims were found to be untrue. Guy also organised William’s stag night. The two met in 2001 during a fox hunt.

Harry Aubrey-Fletcher

Harry Aubrey-Fletcher attended both Ludgrove and Eton with William. He is one of Prince William’s closest friends. The future king also served as an usher at Fletcher’s wedding in 2011—four months before his own wedding. He made headlines in 2013 for playfully tugging William’s ear during that year’s Cheltenham Festival.

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Sources Used

PopSugar: Who Are Prince William's Friends? Get to Know His Most Loyal Pals

Daily Mail: Prince William's inner circle: How 'VC', 'Zipper lips' Baker and 'court jester' Pelly are among the heir to the throne's closest friends - and now he's rewarded William Van Cutsem with a top job on the Duchy Estate