A friend of the Duchess of Sussex has paid tribute to her being an “incredible friend and mother” ahead of Mother’s Day in the US.

Former model Kelly McKee Zajfren posted a picture of her and the Duchess embracing and smiling at one another on Instagram, saying how “incredibly nurturing and warm” she is.

The Duchess supported Ms Zajfren last year after the unexpected death of her nine-year-old son, George, who was found unresponsive at home.

The Sussexes donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe fundraiser in the names of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after the Zajfren family lost their son.

Ms Zajfren is the co-founder of Alliance of Moms, an LA community of philanthropists who support pregnant and parenting teenagers in the city’s foster care system. She also runs an eco-conscious children’s clothing brand.

Ahead of the US celebration of Mother’s Day, the first one since her son’s death, Ms Zajfren wrote about her appreciation for the Duchess online.

The pair are pictured in her Instagram post wearing matching T-shirts which read: “Community, motherhood.”

She said: “As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but think of my own #commUNITY of Motherhood.

“I instantly think of you Meg. How incredibly nurturing and warm and open you are. What an incredible friend and mother.

“I’m truly in awe of you and I am so grateful you are part of my #CommUNITYofmotherhood.”