Lonely Kate

She may appear to have the whole world at her feet, but does friendship come at too high a price for the Duchess of Cambridge?

- Chloe Thomas

The Duchess of Cambridge marked her 35th birthday last week in style, with a low-key but loving affair at home in norfolk, surrounded by her own young family and the middletons.

As a happily married mother-of-two, who also happens to be a global style icon, Kate is the ultimate poster girl for ‘having it all’. But when it comes to her circle of trust, our future queen is something of an enigma. Because for all her popularity, the Duchess appears to be somewhat lonely.

When Kate’s not busy with royal engagements, she’s known to shun the spotlight to focus on family life with Prince William and their two children, George, three, and Charlotte, one. But even duchesses are entitled to a day off and despite having a nanny, an unlimited budget and fashion designers at her beck and call, Kate has rarely been seen enjoying a night out with friends or even having a laugh off camera.

‘Kate can appear to be a lonely figure, cut off from the outside world at home in Anmer Hall and isolated from her old life in London,’ reveals our royal source.‘She’s rarely seen with friends and her nonappearance at some chums’ weddings has caused a few raised eyebrows.’

Indeed, one or two absences could be forgiven, but Kate has been a no-show at several friends’ nuptials in recent years, with William regularly showing up on his own. Some have excused her for seemingly steering clear to avoid upstaging the bride, but others have questioned whether Kate is in fact slowly isolating herself.

SISTERS AT WAR?