Are Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton Really Friends?

There's been a lot made of whether or not Kate Middleton and her future sister-in-law Meghan Markle are actually getting along and could be friends since the former actress' engagement to Prince Harry was announced in November. Now, it appears that the rumors may finally be getting put to rest, as a new report indicates the two women actually have formed a strong bond together due to shared interests and an understanding of each other's personal situations.

According to E! News, the Duchess Of Cambridge is playing a big role in helping Prince Harry's fiancée adjust to life as a royal, since it's a role she herself had occupied before her 2011 wedding to Prince William.

In fact, that similarity, as well as their shared love of animals, fashion, wellness, and a passion for helping children, have helped solidify a bond between the women, and these similarities led to Prince Harry deciding that his sister-in-law would be one of the first to meet Markle. And as it turned out, their first meeting did go well, with Middleton helping Markle through the process she is facing.

"...she made it clear that should Meghan ever need something, or just want to chat, she shouldn't hesitate to get in touch," a source told the website. "Kate knows how difficult it is navigating one's way through this very different world. [And] it was important to [Harry] that Meghan and Kate got to know each other, as she has experienced many of the challenges Meghan now faces."

Now, with Markle officially becoming a member of the royal family on May 19, another source says that the bond between the women, as well as the one between the brothers, is stronger than ever, and the focus is on making sure that Markle is able to adjust to her new life, because of the role that she has in the royal family's future.

"It's becoming very clear within the family that William, Catherine, Harry and Meghan are the future of the royal family so everything rests on making sure Meghan eases naturally into her role. That's a big priority for everyone," a source said. "Catherine did it and they know it's possible for an outsider, without any prior interactions with the establishment, to integrate well. Catherine is very aware that Meghan will need a friend alongside her while she gets used to the way things are done around here."