At first glance, the glossy black and white photographs of a woman in a sleek blazer, accompanied by quotes about 'creating something elevated,' could easily be mistaken for Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, promoting her honey and jam products with Silicon Valley-inspired language. However, a closer look reveals that this promotional material originates far from the shores of Montecito. Instead, it heralds the launch of a new brand established by Kate Middleton's former right-hand woman, who served the royal family for over fifteen years.
Mirroring Meghan's Playbook
The Princess of Wales' former personal assistant, Natasha Archer, appears to have taken a leaf out of the Duchess of Sussex's playbook. She has launched an Instagram account to promote her new style consultancy, featuring cream backgrounds and musings on 'focusing on the details.' Even Natasha's logo—a self-stylized cypher of her initials, NA—echoes the aesthetic of Meghan's palm tree emblem for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with a similar flair.
Both Natasha and Meghan tout stripped-back, monochrome social media feeds, replete with trendy millennial beige tones and 'candid' photography. This week, ahead of her business launch, Natasha shared a black and white snapshot of herself in a modern office setting, with a collaged mood board in the background. She captioned it, 'It begins with understanding, is refined through detail and brought together to create something elevated.'
Inspirational Overlaps
These musings bear a striking resemblance to Meghan's regular posts about wanting to 'elevate the everyday into the exceptional' through her products. The Duchess has spoken of As Ever, inviting customers to 'mimic the magic of Montecito in a way you can recreate at home.' In February last year, Meghan shared a very similar-looking mood board that served as inspiration for her brand, much like Natasha's, which includes product snaps and aspirational images of champagne glasses and fashion runways.
It would not be far-fetched to suggest Natasha drew inspiration from Meghan. Last year, she unfollowed several Instagram accounts after royal fans noticed she was following some of the Duchess's inner circle. Natasha made her Instagram public after leaving her position at Kensington Palace last summer, following more than a decade of service to the royal family.
Royal Connections and Career
Natasha began her royal career in 2010 as a personal assistant to both Prince William and Prince Harry. After William's marriage to Kate, she also started reporting to the then-Duchess of Cambridge, eventually becoming the future Queen's most trusted aide. Over the years, she became an integral part of the private household, with Kate rewarding her loyalty with a promotion last June to senior private executive assistant to William and Kate.
She was reportedly involved in collecting the Princess of Wales from the London Clinic after her abdominal operation earlier this year and was brought into the innermost circle supporting Kate through her cancer journey. Natasha, a mother-of-two married to royal photographer Chris Jackson, has been by Kate's side for major life events, including royal births, overseas tours, and personal challenges.
Stylist Role and Influence
In 2014, Natasha was promoted to Kate's personal stylist, credited with masterminding the Duchess's wardrobe for successful tours, such as the Cambridges' visit to Australia. According to sources, she was brought in to make Kate's wardrobe look more 'regal' at the late Queen's request. Natasha often shopped online for Kate's outfits from brands like ASOS and Topshop and encouraged her to experiment more with fashion.
She played a key role in Kate's glamorous looks during tours to Canada and Pakistan, introducing her to designers like Maheen Khan. Additionally, Natasha reportedly helped spruce up Prince William's style, adding linen jackets and sweaters from labels like J Crew and Reiss. In 2018, she was appointed a member of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of her services.
Despite her high-profile role, Natasha has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, maintaining unwavering support for the Princess of Wales. It is understood that the Prince and Princess of Wales have wished her the best in this new chapter after their years-long association.
