Princess Andre, 18, is relying on her best friend Heidi Katona, 19, for support as her mother Katie Price's marriage to Lee Andrews continues to make headlines, according to a source. The two teenagers have been close since childhood, and their bond has strengthened amid the recent drama surrounding Katie.
Princess and Heidi recently returned from a luxury holiday in Monaco, where they attended the Monaco Grand Prix and partied on an exclusive yacht. The trip served as a welcome distraction for Princess, who remains concerned about her mother's relationship with Lee, who was reportedly released from prison in Dubai last week and reunited with Katie.
Close Friendship Since Childhood
Princess and Heidi have known each other since they were babies. Their mothers, Katie Price and Kerry Katona, became friends while appearing on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004. The trio remained close for years, though the relationship between Katie and Kerry has cooled recently.
“People don’t realise just how close Princess and Heidi are,” an insider told the Mirror. “This isn’t a showbiz friendship or two nepo babies finding common ground – these girls have a genuine connection. Princess is leaning on Heidi as Katie continues to lurch from scandal to scandal. Her support has been invaluable.”
Shared Experiences
Both girls have experienced their parents' divorces and unhealthy relationships. Heidi's father, Mark Croft, has not been in her life for years, and her mother Kerry was in an abusive marriage to the late George Kay. Princess has witnessed her mother's marriages to Alex Reid (11 months) and Kieran Hayler, who is due to stand trial in October for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. Katie, 48, is expected to be called as a witness.
“Heidi and Princess can totally relate to each other, they have so much in common,” the source said. “The girls have both seen their mums make bad choices when it comes to men. Heidi experienced the horror of her mum’s abuse at the hands of George and watched as things didn’t work out with Ryan. Princess has not only had to live through all the Katie drama, but she’s now had to see this Lee saga unfold – she feels helpless. Luckily Heidi is on hand with advice on how to get through it. They’re both incredibly focused young women and they have each other’s backs.”
Staying Out of Drama
Despite their mothers' strained relationship, Heidi and Princess have maintained their friendship. “The girls don’t like to get involved in the politics of all that,” the source said. “They try and stay out of their business. But that’s always been the case. Even when Kerry and Katie were completely estranged back in the day, Heidi and Princess stayed in touch with each other. Thank goodness they have that sort of bond with all the madness of the showbiz world.”
Kerry recently praised the girls' friendship in her column, saying, “I love that she was with Princess and Junior, who have been lifelong friends to her. I was one of the first people to ever hold Junior, so those kids hold a place in my heart, too.”
Stable Influence from Peter Andre
The source also credits Princess’s father, Peter Andre, 53, and his wife Emily, 36, with providing a stable influence. The family celebrated Junior's 21st birthday together last week, with videos showing them enjoying tequila shots and hugging. “Peter has absolutely stepped up for both kids to support them as all the drama unfolds around their mum,” the insider said. “He has always been the grounding influence they need and both he and Emily massively approve of Heidi being in Princess’s life.”
