Royals: Duchess Kate a 'pillar of support' for Meghan Markle amid family turmoil

The Duchess of Sussex has maintained a dignified silence around her father's public outbursts, but behind closed doors she is said to be "at her wits' end".

Meghan, 36, has been accused of "cutting off" Thomas Markle in a spate of media interviews and according to royal correspondent Katie Nicholl she has been turning to her sister-in-law for support.

Writing in Vanity Fair, Nicholl revealed that Meghan sees Kate as a "pillar of support" in her new life behind palace walls — and Harry is said to be 'relieved' that they have forged a close alliance.

The two duchesses' blossoming friendship was evident in pictures of them watching Wimbledon together earlier this month, the Daily Mail reports.

One source noted that Kate is "well aware" of what the newbie royal is going through and has "made a big effort to be kind to Meghan and look out for her".

Another insider added: "Kate's made a real effort to be kind to Meghan and to include her. They're quite different characters but they get along well."

The two women, both 36, are said to have bonded over their love of dogs, tennis and the great outdoors — with Kate recommending the services of British designer Emilia Wickstead to her new sister-in-law.

The source told how Kate invites Meghan to her apartment at Kensington Palace for tea, with the two women speaking on the phone once a week.

They added: "[Kate] has made an effort with Meghan. She's been very sympathetic to what's been going on with Meghan and her dad."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended this year's Wimbledon Tennis Championships together. Photo / Getty Images

It comes after retired lighting director Thomas, 74, told the Mail on Sunday he has not spoken to his "beloved Bean" Meghan for more than ten weeks.

Thomas — who has never met his son-in-law — claims the rift is "punishment" for him staging fake paparazzi pictures before the wedding.

He said: "I'm really hurt that she's cut me off completely. I used to have a phone number and text number for her personal aides at the Palace, but after I said a few critical words about the Royal Family changing Meghan, they cut me off.

"Those numbers were disconnected, they no longer work. I have no way of contacting my daughter.

"It's her birthday on August 4 and I want to send her a card. But if I send a birthday card to Kensington Palace, or wherever she's living now, it'll just be one among thousands. She'll probably never see it."