Royal Drama Unfolds: Kate Middleton’s Aide Sparks Buzz by Unfollowing Meghan Markle
A surprising social media move has set the royal rumor mill ablaze. Natasha Archer, Kate Middleton’s trusted personal assistant and stylist of 15 years, recently made her Instagram account public, only to stir controversy by unfollowing Meghan Markle and several of her close associates.
This digital shake-up, reported exclusively by PEOPLE on July 9, 2025, comes as Archer steps away from her role at Kensington Palace to launch her own luxury consultancy. The swift changes to her Instagram follow list have sparked speculation about royal tensions, fashion rivalries, and what this means for Archer’s next chapter.
Here’s a deep dive into the story, from Archer’s pivotal role in Kate’s style evolution to the online buzz fueling debates among royal watchers.
Natasha Archer’s Royal Legacy
For over a decade, Natasha Archer, affectionately known as “Tash,” has been a key figure in Kate Middleton’s inner circle. Hired in 2010 as a personal assistant to both Prince William and Kate, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Archer quickly became indispensable.
Her role evolved from managing schedules to shaping Kate’s public image as a global fashion icon. By 2022, she was promoted to senior private executive assistant, overseeing “clothing, diary, and projects,” according to her LinkedIn profile. Her influence helped transform Kate’s style from approachable girl-next-door looks to the polished, regal aesthetic befitting a future queen.
Archer’s touch was evident in iconic moments, like the blue polka-dot Jenny Packham dress Kate wore for Prince George’s hospital photo call in 2013. She curated wardrobes for high-stakes international tours, including a 2014 Australia and New Zealand trip where Kate wore 24 outfits in 19 days, and a 2016 Canada visit featuring a striking red Preen cocktail gown.
Her knack for blending high-end designers like Alexander McQueen with sustainable choices, such as a rented neon-green dress for the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards, fueled the “Kate Middleton Effect,” boosting the UK economy by an estimated $1.27 billion annually through fashion sales. Archer’s departure after 15 years, announced on July 9, 2025, marks the end of an era, with Prince William and Kate wishing her well in her new venture.
The Instagram Controversy: Unfollowing Meghan
The drama began when Archer, 37, made her previously private Instagram account public, revealing a follow list that raised eyebrows. Royal fans noticed she was following Meghan Markle’s personal Instagram and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, launched earlier in 2025.
She also followed Meghan’s inner circle, including makeup artist Daniel Martin, Pilates instructor Heather Dorak, and socialite Delfina Blaquier, as well as the Highbrow Hippie page tied to Meghan’s hair colorist, Kadi Lee. Fashion blogs like What Meghan Wore, dedicated to Meghan’s style, were also on her list, alongside accounts chronicling Kate’s wardrobe.
However, as screenshots of her follows spread across social media, Archer swiftly unfollowed these accounts. By July 17, 2025, her follow count dropped from over 1,880 to just 363, with Meghan, As Ever, and most of her associates no longer on the list.
This rapid purge, reported by outlets like GB News and The Daily Mail, fueled speculation about why Archer was following Meghan’s circle in the first place and why she acted so quickly to distance herself. Some fans defended Archer, suggesting she followed these accounts to monitor trends and avoid style overlaps between Kate and Meghan.
Others, however, saw it as evidence of deeper tensions, reigniting debates about the rumored rift between the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex.
Fueling the Fashion Feud Narrative
The timing of Archer’s Instagram changes has added fuel to long-standing claims that Kate’s style has been influenced by Meghan’s. Since Meghan’s arrival in the royal family in 2018, royal watchers have pointed to similarities in their wardrobes, from white pantsuits to monochrome neutrals.
Posts on X, like one from MarleyNeens on July 11, 2025, declared, “The CAT IS OUT THE BAG! Why is Kate’s personal assistant… following Meghan’s entire circle on IG. CREEPY!” Another user, AprilABrown1, claimed, “We knew for years that Kate was stalking Meghan.” Feminegra reported on July 12 that Archer’s follows were “not just casual interest, it looked like research,” suggesting Kate’s team closely studied Meghan’s style to inform her evolving look.
While Kensington Palace has remained silent, the narrative of a fashion feud persists. Meghan’s bold, modern aesthetic—marked by tailored suits and minimalist designs—contrasts with Kate’s traditional royal style, which Archer helped shift toward sleeker silhouettes post-2018.
Some argue Archer’s follows were professional, ensuring Kate’s outfits stood out without clashing with Meghan’s. Others, as noted in Cele|bitchy, see it as evidence of “copying,” with one commenter stating, “Kate’s complete ‘Meghan makeover’ for the past eight years” is undeniable. The unfollowing spree, however, suggests Archer was aware of the optics and moved to avoid further scrutiny.
Archer’s Next Chapter: A Luxury Consultancy
As Archer steps away from royal service, her Instagram bio hints at her future: “Luxury Consultancy,” with a link to a “coming soon” website. With over 6,500 followers and no posts as of July 17, 2025, her account still follows select figures, including Meghan’s former Suits co-stars Abigail Spencer and Sarah Rafferty, as well as official royal accounts for Kate, William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla. She also follows Princess Eugenie and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband, reflecting her continued ties to the royal family.
Archer’s consultancy is expected to leverage her expertise in fashion and event planning, built over years of managing Kate’s high-profile engagements. Her personal life, too, has been shaped by her royal work—she met her husband, Getty Images royal photographer Chris Jackson, on the job, marrying him in 2017.
In 2019, she was honored with the Royal Victorian Order for her service. As she embarks on this new venture, her departure raises questions about who will replace her as Kate’s stylist, with names like Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, a former Vogue editor, floating as potential successors, per HELLO!.
Why This Matters to Royal Fans
The Instagram saga has reignited fascination with the dynamics between Kate and Meghan, whose strained relationship has been well-documented since Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The unfollowing incident, while seemingly minor, underscores the intense scrutiny faced by those in the royal orbit. Posts on X, like SageKnowsAll’s on July 11, 2025, exclaimed, “Natasha Archer… followed Meghan, As Ever, and a SHIT LOAD of Meghan’s FRIENDS,” highlighting the public’s eagerness to dissect every move. The Mirror US noted that the “dislike extends to staff,” suggesting Archer’s actions reflect broader tensions.
For Kate’s fans, Archer’s departure is a bittersweet moment. Her role in crafting Kate’s iconic style—from sustainable fashion choices to glamorous tour looks—has been invaluable. For Meghan’s supporters, the Instagram follows validate claims that her influence on royal fashion has been underacknowledged.
As Archer moves forward, her brief social media misstep has left a lasting impression, sparking conversations about loyalty, rivalry, and the power of a follow button in the royal world.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Royal Fashion
As Natasha Archer prepares to launch her consultancy, the royal fashion landscape is poised for change. Kate’s next stylist will face the challenge of maintaining her status as a style icon while navigating the shadow of this controversy.
Meanwhile, Meghan’s As Ever brand continues to gain traction, with her Instagram reels reportedly outpacing William and Kate’s in views, per Newsweek. Whether Archer’s unfollowing was a strategic move or a reaction to public scrutiny, it’s clear her time at Kensington Palace has left an indelible mark.
As fans await her next steps, this episode serves as a reminder that even a simple Instagram follow can spark a royal storm.
