Kate Middleton's personal assistant and stylist quits after 15 years

Natasha Archer, one of Kate and William's closest and most senior staffers, has decided to leave Kensington Palace after more than 15 years of working together. According to People magazine, Archer plans to start her own independent career as a private adviser. Sources close to the palace said that the Welsh family wished her well in her new path. She was promoted to senior executive personal assistant to the Prince and Princess of Wales last year during Kate Middleton's illness.

Natasha Archer began her career as Kate and William's personal assistant in 2010. Over the years, her professional relationship with Kate Middleton has grown more intimate, and her role has gradually taken on the role of Kate's unofficial personal stylist.

In a 2014 report, Fashion and Style magazine quoted a source as saying: "Kate was initially reluctant to be a fashion icon, but now she enjoys it. Archer helps a lot with the outfits." The source also noted that Archer sources many of the outfits online and brings hundreds of models to the palace for fitting, and this support has allowed Kate to show more freedom in choosing her clothing style.

Archer is married to royal photographer Chris Jackson and has been in the royal family's service since 2007. She worked for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester before Kate and William.

Kate and William's inner circle is getting smaller with Natasha Archer's departure, a change that could also affect their public style and strategy. Kensington Palace has yet to officially respond to the news.