Any type of recovery after an illness is complicated. That’s even more so when it’s a serious illness. Kate Middleton isn’t exempt from that reality. The Princess of Wales has been adjusting to life post-cancer and has had to reevaluate her priorities in the wake of her cancer and subsequent treatment. Of course, since she is royalty, she’s had to do that just as King Charles is also battling cancer, which adds pressure and stress to Kate and William both, as Prince William is next in line for the throne.
Now, a big change might affect that adjustment. Middleton’s longtime right-hand woman, Natasha Archer, is departing Kensington Palace, according to People. Archer is setting up her own private consultancy firm, and both the Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly wished her the very best for the exciting opportunities ahead.
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Natasha, known as “Tash,” has been with the royal family since 2010, when she joined as a personal assistant to both Princess Kate and Prince William. Over time, she reportedly became an important part of Middleton’s inner circle and was widely known as Kate’s unofficial stylist. Her most recent official role was as the senior private executive assistant to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The news comes just as Kate Middleton has started opening up about her mental health following her cancer treatment. She had a frank conversation with patients and staff members of the NHS about her health journey and how she’s learned to listen to her body. “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” she said while visiting Colchester Hospital in Essex at the beginning of July. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”
Middleton was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024. She underwent treatment for months and finished chemotherapy in September of that year. In January 2025, Middleton announced she was in remission. However, her return to public life has been gradual.
“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to,” she explained as she discussed the after. “And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you, and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.”
“You have to find your new normal and that takes time…and it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be,” Middleton also said. “But the reality is you go through hard times.”
Considering recent reports that Middleton’s illness was much worse than anyone ever knew, this might explain why Natasha Archer chose not to leave until now. “I can say that, from what I understand, she is fortunate to even be speaking of recovery,” royal correspondent Rebecca English wrote in the Daily Mail.
So, Middleton’s staff might be changing, but at least she’s doing much better.
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