Princess Catherine recently experienced a significant change in her inner circle as her long-serving aide, Natasha Archer, stepped down from her role at Kensington Palace. The announcement came just a day after Catherine made two major public appearances alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife during their state visit. Archer, who had been by Catherine’s side for 15 years, is leaving her royal post to launch her own luxury consultancy business. Known affectionately as “Tash,” Archer has not only been Catherine’s personal assistant but also her unofficial stylist and most recently served as senior private executive assistant to both the Prince and Princess of Wales. She is married to Chris Jackson, a royal photographer for Getty Images.
The news of Archer’s departure quickly made headlines, with reports suggesting the split was on good terms. Sources close to the palace praised her as an invaluable part of the royal household, noting her contributions over the years and extending well wishes for her new venture. The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly expressed their gratitude and support for her next chapter. However, even with the positive tone from official sources, royal watchers and social media users couldn’t help but raise questions.
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Soon after the news broke, Archer made her private Instagram account public. What her new followers discovered added an unexpected twist. Archer was following several of Meghan Markle’s close associates, including makeup artist Daniel Martin, former friend Abigail Spencer, Pilates coach Heather Dorak, stylist Jessica Mulroney, and Mandana Dayani, who previously worked with Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archwell organization. While the connections might have been innocent, the revelation raised eyebrows among royal followers. Then came the next surprise—Archer began unfollowing many of those same accounts, fueling even more speculation about potential tension behind the scenes.
Some questioned whether Archer’s social media activity had anything to do with her exit. Others suggested that her long-standing role with Catherine made it unlikely she would be forced out over something so trivial. After all, Archer was rumored to be in the running to become Queen Consort Camilla’s lead stylist once Prince William eventually ascends the throne. Her decision to walk away from such a promising future caught many off guard, and theories quickly swirled online. Still, without an official explanation, the real reason for her departure remains open to interpretation.
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Archer’s influence in the royal household cannot be overstated. Her promotion in 2022 to senior private executive assistant highlighted her growing responsibilities, which included overseeing wardrobe choices, managing schedules, and organizing key projects. Her sharp eye for fashion helped shape Princess Catherine’s public image into that of a modern style icon. Archer was the mastermind behind many of Catherine’s standout outfits, often selecting pieces from top British designers like Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham. Her work helped transform Catherine from a relatable, girl-next-door figure into a regal and globally admired fashion icon.
During international royal tours, Archer’s contributions were especially evident. On a 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand, Catherine wore 24 different outfits in just 19 days—all expertly curated by Archer. She also helped coordinate Catherine’s wardrobe during the 2016 royal visit to Canada and accompanied her during a five-hour hike in Bhutan that same year. Perhaps one of her most iconic moves was arranging for Catherine to wear a neon green rented dress at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston—pioneering sustainable royal fashion. Archer even encouraged Prince William to adopt local dress customs, such as wearing a traditional Sherwani during their trip to Pakistan in 2019.
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Her service went beyond fashion and style. When Prince George was born in 2013, Archer was one of the first to arrive at the hospital’s Lindo Wing, bringing Catherine’s post-delivery outfit and the baby car seat. Her dedication to the royal family earned her the Royal Victorian Order in 2019, an honor awarded personally by the monarch for distinguished service.
Now, as Princess Catherine slowly returns to her royal duties following a recent battle with cancer, Archer’s departure marks a poignant shift. The Princess herself recently acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning back into public life, remarking during a hospital visit that “it takes time” to find her new normal. Archer's absence, after being such a crucial figure in Catherine’s professional and personal life, will no doubt be felt deeply.
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Speculation has already begun about who might step into Natasha’s shoes. Social media users and royal enthusiasts believe the role may go to Virginia “Jinny” Chadwick Healey, someone reportedly known to Catherine and who could become her next trusted confidant and advisor. While it’s still unclear if Jinny will officially take on the role, it’s evident that whoever steps in will have big shoes to fill.
As Natasha Archer closes this chapter of her career, her legacy within the royal household is undeniable. Her style influence helped shape not only Catherine’s image but also impacted the British fashion industry, with what’s known as the “Catherine Middleton Effect” contributing an estimated £1 billion annually to the UK economy. Her eye for elegance, professionalism, and loyalty made her one of the most respected figures in the royal team.
Her exit, coming at such a sensitive time for the Princess of Wales, adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing shifts within the royal household. Whether her departure was purely professional or hints at deeper behind-the-scenes dynamics remains unclear. But one thing is certain—her presence, and the impact she made, won’t be for
gotten anytime soon.
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