The Prince of Wales has had a tough few months with his wife, Princess Kate, undergoing abdominal surgery and his father, King Charles' cancer diagnosis.
However, William has a strong group of friends that he will be able to count on for support. Over the years, the heir to the throne has maintained his friendships with fellow students from Eton College and St Andrew's University - the place he also met then Kate Middleton.
His mates have been by his side in almost every important milestone; his engagement to Kate, their royal wedding in 2011 and of course, when the couple welcomed their three children. A handful of them have even been picked to be godparents, while William has also acted as their children's godfather.
Scroll down to find out all about William's closest friends...
William van Cutsem
The van Cutsem family go way back with the British royals. His father, Hugh van Cutsem Sr., is King Charles' best friend from Cambridge. He had four sons: Nicholas, Edward, William, and Hugh Jr. Notably, Edward is Charles' godson and served as one of two page boys in his wedding to Princess Diana.
William grew up on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and has been best friends with the heir to the throne ever since. In 2013, he married Rosie Ruck Keene, and William served as an usher. He is also godfather to Prince George.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
A former equerry to the Queen Mother, Mr Lowther-Pinkerton served as Prince William and Prince Harry's private secretary from 2005 to 2013. He previously accompanied the royal brothers to the unveiling of the statue of their late mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace gardens in July 2021. Mr Lowther-Pinkerton is also Prince George's godfather, and his son, William, was one of the page boys at William and Kate's wedding in 2011.
Hugh van Cutsem
Hugh is the older brother of William van Cutsem. After their father passed away in 2013, the family remained close with the royals. His daughter Grace was a bridesmaid at Prince William and Kate's royal wedding in 2011; she immediately became an internet sensation when she appeared on the balcony with a scowl on her face, covering her ears while the newlyweds shared their first public kiss. Prince William is also her godfather.
James Meade
James, who is the son of Richard Meade, the Olympic three-day eventer, attended Eton College with Prince William back in 2000. Along with his wife Lady Laura, the couple live near Anmer Hall, which is William and Kate's country home in Norfolk. In 2011, James delivered part of the best man's speech with Thomas van Straubenzee at William and Kate's royal wedding. He is also godfather to Princess Charlotte.
Thomas van Straubenzee
Thomas is one of William's closest and long-time pals, having attended Ludgrove prep school with William. He served as an usher alongside James Meade at the royal wedding in 2011, and shared the toast at the wedding reception. William returned the favour by being an usher at Thomas's 2013 nuptials. Thomas is also Princess Charlotte's godfather.
Oliver Baker
Oliver is a good friend of both William and Kate's; he was a student with them at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. He is also one of Prince George's godparents.
Guy Pelly
Guy helped organise William's bachelor party. A well-known nightclub owner, Guy is famously tight-lipped about his princely pals. Both Princes attended his nuptials to Elizabeth Wilson in 2014. Their friendship dates back to 2001 when they met during a fox hunt, and they've been involved in each other's milestones ever since. Despite his partying reputation, Guy is one of Prince Louis' godfathers.
Harry Aubrey-Fletcher
Harry is the son of Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. William was an usher at Harry's 2011 wedding to Sarah Stourton, the eldest daughter of Baron Edward Stourton. He made headlines a few years back for playfully giving the prince's ear a pinch in public.
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