Natasha Archer, known as Tash, has been a key figure in Duchess Catherine’s life for over 15 years. Her departure from Kensington Palace marks the end of an era as she embarks on a new journey to set up her own consultancy. Archer’s contributions to the royal couple’s public image have been invaluable, having assisted Catherine in styling and serving as her senior executive assistant. Despite the sadness surrounding Archer's passing, insiders say both Prince William and Duchess Catherine sent warm wishes for her future endeavours. The friendly farewell highlights the strong bond they share, even as they face challenges in their royal careers.
With King Charles undergoing cancer treatment, pressure has been mounting on Prince William and Duchess Catherine to take on more royal duties. Reports suggest the couple are feeling the weight of the expectations, especially as they face personal challenges, including Catherine's recent health issues. In light of these pressures, comparisons have been made to the royals' engagements. In 2024, Princess Catherine will only be taking part in 11 royal engagements, compared to Prince William's 71. Meanwhile, Princess Anne, known as the most hardworking member of the royal family, completed an impressive 217 engagements. This disparity has led to growing frustration among palace staff about the couple’s commitment to their royal duties.
Natasha Archer’s influence on the Duchess of Cambridge’s public image is undeniable. With a keen eye for British fashion, Archer played a key role in shaping the Duchess’s signature style, contributing to the phenomenon of Catherine’s outfits selling out almost instantly. The trend is worth more than $1 billion to the British fashion economy each year, proving Archer’s considerable influence. In addition to her role in the fashion industry, Archer has also been a trusted confidante in Catherine’s most private moments. From meticulously selecting outfits for royal events to attending the birth of Prince George, Archer ensures Catherine remains comfortable and calm at both important public and private events.
As Duchess Catherine gradually returns to royal duties, she remains determined to prioritise her role as a devoted mother to her three young children. This devotion to family has raised concerns among aides that the couple is focusing on their immediate family rather than their royal duties. With the prestige of the monarchy under threat, Prince William and Duchess Catherine are under increasing pressure to increase their royal engagements. However, the couple’s devotion to their family has led to questions about their ability to meet public expectations while maintaining a balanced family life.