Queen Elizabeth II’s royal inner circle of confidantes revealed

Only a privileged few were among Queen Elizabeth’s most trusted confidantes, but who were they? See the list.

Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne at the annual Braemar Gathering in Braemar, central Scotland, in 2018. Picture: Getty

The Royal Family has many members, but only a privileged few were in Queen Elizabeth’s inner circle.

These were the key members who she would have seen as a close confidantes and confided in without question.

Prince Charles

As heir and oldest son, he was by default in the Queen’s inner circle.

He was not reportedly the Queen’s favourite son – that honour went to Andrew – but they have always shared a close bond and more so in recent years as the transition of power and responsibility began.

The Queen and Prince Charles share a laugh.

Princess Anne

The Queen’s daughter, has always had a close bond and there is nothing the Queen would not confide in her. She has been a constant companion.

Queen Elizabeth II And Princess Anne

Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Earlier this year, the British press reported the Queen’s daughter-in-law had joined the monarch’s inner circle.

The two reportedly have always got on well but never more so than since the passing of Prince Philip. She calls the Queen “Mama”.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Countess Mountbatten Penelope Knatchbull

She remained one of the Queen’s closest friends and was one of the 30 people chosen to attend Prince Philip’s funeral in April this year.

At her daughter’s wedding, it was Prince Charles who gave the bride away.

Penelope Knatchbull

Baroness Susan Hussey

Lady-in-waiting joined the royal court in 1960 and has virtually never left the Queen’s side. She is godmother to Prince William.

John Warren

He had a special place in the Queen’s life as her horse racing confidante and bloodstock adviser.

John Warren

Lady Pamela Hicks

Daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten and great great granddaughter of Queen Victoria and first cousin of Prince Philip, has long been in the inner circle.

The now 93-year-old was one of the Queen’s bridesmaids in 1947 and has very much been in the family’s inner circle since.

Lady Pamela Hicks.

Angela Kelly

Personal assistant, adviser and curator to the Queen, was also a close friend. She was bestowed with one of the Queen’s personal honours for the royal household, the “long and faithful” service medal.

The fashion designer was the Queen’s personal dressmaker since 2002. She even wore the Queen’s shoes in, since they had the same foot size and shape.

Angela Kelly

Originally published as Queen Elizabeth II’s royal inner circle of confidantes revealed