Shock as Kate's assistant and long-time stylist Natasha Archer steps away from royal life - as she reveals her next moves
The 37-year-old, who joined the royal household in 2007, has reportedly left her post to start a private styling consultancy, marking the end of an era for the woman once dubbed the brains behind "The Kate Middleton Effect".
Archer began her career working for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester before being personally chosen to assist William and Kate in 2010.
Though officially hired as a personal assistant, she quickly became one of Catherine's closest confidantes- and, more famously, her unofficial stylist.
"It's a huge privilege to work so closely with the royal family for over 15 years," a close friend told The Times, confirming a report first published by People.
"But she is very much looking forward to new challenges and will cherish her time at Kensington Palace with the fondest of memories."
Known affectionately as "Tash" by her friends, Archer has played a key role in shaping Kate's style, blending traditional royal elegance with contemporary fashion.
Her influence sparked a phenomenon dubbed The Kate Middleton Effect, where anything worn by the Princess would rapidly sell out and boost the profile of British brands.
A Vanity Fair insider revealed in 2014: "Initially Kate was a reluctant fashion icon, but now she enjoys it.
"Tash helps source some of the clothes. She shops a lot for Kate online, and calls in hundreds of dresses for Kate to try on.
"She has persuaded Kate to take some more risks. The hemlines are shorter and Kate's really pushing the boat out in the fashion stakes."
Beyond fashion, Archer has long been considered the Princes' "right-hand woman", supporting her during personal milestones and official duties alike.
She's accompanied the couple on international tours to India, Bhutan, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway and Poland, and was one of the first by Kate's side following the birth of Prince George in 2013, arriving at St Mary's Hospital alongside the Princess' hairdresser ahead of the now-iconic Lindo Wing photo call.
More recently, it's believed Archer was the one to collect the Princess of Wales from the London Clinic after her abdominal surgery in January, the operation that ultimately led to her cancer diagnosis.
In the months since, the mother of two was reportedly part of the tight-knit group supporting the Princess privately as she underwent treatment.
In recognition of her years of service, Archer was awarded the Royal Victorian Order in 2019, a personal honour granted by the monarch, then the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Her husband, renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson, shared a proud tribute on Instagram at the time: "Could not be more proud of this one!" he wrote, alongside a photo of Archer wearing her medal.
She was later promoted in 2022 to the position of Senior Private Executive Assistant to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
"She's unfailingly discreet and loyal to Kate," a friend told the Daily Mail at the time.
"This appointment means we can expect to see Natasha by Kate's side for years to come."
But while Tash's royal chapter is now closing, it's said to be on nothing but good terms.
According to People, the royal household has wished her "the very best for the exciting opportunities ahead".
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