While Kate Middleton is stepping down from her official royal duties to undergo cancer treatment, her team is transforming behind the scenes.

The Princess of Wales has quietly promoted longtime stylist Natasha Archer to the role of "senior private executive assistant," and MailOnline first reported the change in Middleton's entourage.

Archer has worked for Princess Kate since she was hired as her personal assistant in 2007. Eventually, her role expanded to include the responsibility of dressing one of the most recognizable people on the planet, Princess Kate, for her public appearances for all the world to see. Archer's promotion "has been interpreted in royal circles as a reward for her loyalty," the Mail reported.

Loyalty and trust are the cornerstones of a strong stylist-client (and friend) relationship. From Lo Loach and Zendaya to Jamie Mizrahi and Meghan Markle, stylists fine-tune the way they communicate with their employers and clients without saying a word. When millions of people see an outfit, they try to draw meaning from it. Stylists choose clothes that can tell the right story at the right moment.

In the case of Natasha Archer, the styling stakes were raised even higher: having worked with Kate Middleton for over a decade, Archer has shaped the visual language of Middleton, who represents the royal family at all levels of events and involvement. Together, they established Kate as a sophisticated and elegant dresser, preferring British designers such as Alexander McQueen, Emilia Wickstead, and Erdem for formal occasions Most of their work together, as their work tells when photographed, has unfolded behind closed Most of their work has unfolded behind closed doors, as their work speaks for itself when photographed. Other than a few sightings of Archer on the tarmac during royal visits, she is rarely photographed with the Princess.

It stands to reason that Archer has also played a role in raising the profile of several designer and independent brands by incorporating them into Princess Kate's wardrobe. Brands ranging from the affordable luxury handbag brand Strathbury to the gothic Vampire's Wife were popular and employed as royal attire for strolling tours, holiday services, and official state visits.

The form and scope of Archer's new role has yet to be announced. (In fact, the change in her title was only discovered when a Mail reporter found it on LinkedIn, a business networking platform.) What royal sources are saying so far is that "Natasha deserves this promotion.

Archer and Princess Kate have been "inseparable" since the royal's cancer diagnosis, having accompanied Kate to her treatment appointments.

Princess Kate was last seen in person at a Christmas service in 2023. A few months later, Princess Kate announced that she was stepping down from her official duties following a cancer diagnosis.

While Princess Kate has been undergoing private treatment, royal watchers have wondered if and when she would be seen in public again. Some sources claimed that she would make a surprise visit to the balcony for the annual "Trooping the Colour" event on June 15, but that report has since been denied.

For now, Princess Kate, recently promoted Archer, and other members of her team are reportedly preparing to return to royal life after completing cancer treatment. One source said last week, "They are reviewing what they can do for her when she returns." She may not come back in the role that people saw her in before."