For 15 years she was the stylist quietly advising the Princess of Wales on her fashion choices. Now Natasha Archer is leaving Kensington Palace to set up a private consultancy business.
Considered “invaluable” to Kate’s private household, Archer has been credited with helping the princess combine traditional elegance with modern fashion.
Archer, known as Tash, works closely with the princess to decide what she will wear to public engagements. They are said to have a good rapport: Archer, 37, has been seen by the princess’s side on informal occasions.
Archer with Kate and William at a rugby match in Sydney in 2014
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She has accompanied the princess on several official overseas visits, including trips to Norway, Pakistan, Bhutan and Canada.
Archer, one of Kate and William’s longest-serving aides, started working as a personal assistant for both of them in 2010, the year they got engaged. She became a trusted member of the team and her eye for detail meant that she took on the role of unofficial stylist.
Shortly after the birth of Prince George in 2013, Archer arrived at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, with Kate’s hairdresser before the couple appeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing with their son.
In 2022 she was promoted to senior private executive assistant.
• Kate’s style evolution: from tea dresses to coronation couture
Archer is married to Chris Jackson, the Getty photographer chosen by the King and Queen to take their portrait on their 20th wedding anniversary in Italy this year and who was granted behind-the-scenes access on the day of the coronation. They have two children.
Archer with her husband, Chris Jackson, in 2019. They have two children together
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She has yet to announce details of her new venture, although it is understood to be a private consultancy. A friend of Archer confirmed that she was leaving to start her own styling consultancy and said: “It’s a huge privilege to work so closely with the royal family for over 15 years but she is very much looking forward to new challenges and will cherish her time at Kensington Palace with the fondest of memories.”
On Tuesday the princess attended her first state banquet in more than 18 months, seated next to President Macron in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. She chose a dark red silk crepon-gathered evening gown with caped back detailing, designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, alongside the Queen in white and Brigitte Macron in blue.
William and Kate at the state banquet for President Macron on Tuesday and below, with the King and Queen, meeting the French leader and his wife, Brigitte, at Windsor
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When she and the Prince of Wales went to meet the Macrons at RAF Northolt, she wore an outfit from Christian Dior, the first time she had chosen the French fashion house for a public occasion.
The Princess of Wales’s fashion choices have contributed to what retail analysts have described as the “Kate effect”, where designs worn by the princess sell out in record time.
As well as paying heed to her traditional role, Kate has worn some more daring outfits, loaning a bright green dress to attend Prince William’s Earthshot awards in Boston.
Kensington Palace and Archer declined to comment.