Kate rewards longtime ally amid cancer battle

As she continues her absence from the public eye, Kate has honoured one of her closest allies for being “unfailingly discreet and loyal”.

The Princess of Wales has quietly promoted her closest ally to a key palace position in a gesture of thanks for her ongoing “loyalty”.

Kate’s longtime stylist, Natasha Archer, has been appointed to the new role of senior private executive assistant for herself and Prince William.

Archer, who is married to renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson, updated her LinkedIn page with the career news last week, but backdated her start date to August 2022, according to the Daily Mail.

In her listing, her duties are outlined as “clothing”, “diaries”, and “projects”.

Archer, who has worked for Kate since 2007, previously worked as her personal assistant and stylist.

“Natasha deserves this boost — she’s unfailingly discreet and loyal to Kate. The salary boost will be welcome too. This appointment means we can expect to see Natasha by Kate’s side for years to come,” a source told the publication.

“It seems to be Kate’s way of thanking her for her loyalty.”

Kate – seen here last year with Prince Louis – has been off work for the majority of 2024 so far. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

She’s quietly promoted her longtime stylist, Natasha Archer. Picture: Dominic Lipinski – Pool/Getty Images

Archer is widely credited with reshaping Kate’s wardrobe in recent years, evolving her royal look from the more traditional coat dresses to modern suits.

She is also reportedly a close confidante for the princess, providing support and discretion during her ongoing cancer battle and subsequent break from the public eye.

Earlier this year, Archer was also one of the few people seen leaving the London Clinic, where Kate was staying after undergoing abdominal surgery.

Earlier this year, Natasha was one of the few people seen leaving the London Clinic, where

The Daily Mail reports that Archer and Kate have been “inseparable” in recent months, with the stylist accompanying the royal to and from medical appointments.

It’s not yet known when Kate will return to public life. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

News of the promotion comes after Kate issued a rare message after missing a key royal engagement during her break from official duties.

The future Queen wrote a letter to the Irish Guards apologising for her absence at the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8.

In her role as honorary Colonel, Kate would traditionally partake in the Colonel’s Review of the regiment in the days leading up to the annual ceremonial parade.

Her role was instead filled by Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE.

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour. I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drills are immaculate,” Kate wrote in the note, which was posted on the official X account for the Irish Guards.

“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.

“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Colonel Catherine.”

Her absence raises doubts over whether the mother-of-three will attend Saturday’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, which is one of the biggest engagements on the royal calendar.