Kate Middleton's Longtime Aide, Natasha Archer, Departs Kensington Palace
Natasha Archer, Kate Middleton's personal assistant and stylist for over a decade, has left her position at Kensington Palace. Archer, 37, is embarking on a new venture, launching a private "luxury consultancy." Her departure comes amidst ongoing discussions about potential reconciliation between the Royal Family and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Archer's Royal Service and New Career Path
Archer had been a fixture in the Princess of Wales's household since 2010, initially serving as a personal assistant. Her role evolved over the years, and she was promoted to Senior Private Executive Assistant in 2022. Archer played a significant role in shaping Kate Middleton's public image and was recognized for her service with the Royal Victorian Order in 2019. Kensington Palace has wished her well in her future endeavors.
Social Media Stir: Archer Unfollows Meghan Markle and Associates
Shortly after news of her departure surfaced, Natasha Archer made her long-private Instagram account public. Royal observers quickly noted that she had unfollowed Meghan Markle, Meghan's lifestyle brand "As Ever," and several individuals connected to Meghan's inner circle. This included makeup artist Daniel Martin and polo player Delfina Blaquier. This social media activity has garnered significant attention and sparked varied interpretations.
Royal Reconciliation Efforts and William's Apparent Hesitation
Archer's departure and subsequent social media activity occur amidst reports of efforts to mend fences between King Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Informal meetings were reportedly held in London this month between aides for King Charles and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The goal was to explore possible steps toward improving relations within the family.
Notably, Prince William's team was absent from these initial discussions, raising questions about the extent of any potential "thaw" in the relationship between the brothers. Sources suggest that Prince William remains cautious and is not in favor of a rapid reconciliation.
Key Players: Kate Middleton, Natasha Archer, and the Royal Family
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is reportedly focusing on her children's summer break and plans to gradually resume public engagements later this year, following her recent cancer diagnosis. Her long-time aide's departure marks a significant change in her immediate support system.
Natasha Archer, the departing aide, is now focusing on her private luxury consultancy. Her social media actions have triggered considerable speculation and discussion.
Prince William's absence from the reconciliation talks highlights the complexities within the Royal Family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, based in California, are engaged in "peace talks" with King Charles's representatives. Meghan is also preparing for new ventures under her "As Ever" brand.
King Charles III is reportedly open to reconciliation and has even requested Kate Middleton's assistance in mediating. His communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, participated in the recent informal meeting.
Controversy and Public Reaction to Archer's Social Media Actions
Archer's decision to unfollow Meghan Markle and her associates on Instagram has been widely interpreted as a subtle indication that tensions persist between the Waleses and Sussexes, despite broader reconciliation efforts. Some commentators have described it as a "controversial stunt."
Online opinions are divided. Some believe that the unfollows represent a simple reset as Archer embarks on her new career, while others view them as a deliberate display of loyalty and support for Kate Middleton during a sensitive period of family diplomacy.
Impact on Royal Relations and Future Reconciliation Prospects
The timing of Archer's social media activity has fueled speculation that it could potentially undermine the delicate reconciliation plans. Some reports suggest that Princess Kate herself supports these plans.
Sources claim that Kate Middleton had previously attempted to mediate between Prince William and Prince Harry but has reportedly stepped back to prioritize her marriage and well-being, as Prince William finds the situation challenging. William is reportedly not enthusiastic about a swift resolution to the ongoing tensions.
