The Princess of Wales’s former aide has detailed the “unwavering support” she offered to the Royal Family during their difficult times in recent years.
Natasha Archer, the Wales family’s former chief aide, played a central role during Catherine’s cancer treatment and subsequent chemotherapy.
Two months prior to Catherine’s cancer announcement on March 22, 2024, the princess underwent planned abdominal surgery. Her condition was initially thought to be non-cancerous, though post-operative tests found that cancer had been present.
She had been collected from the procedure by Ms Archer, who had, at that time, joined the princess’s most trusted friendship circle.
The 37-year-old supported Catherine throughout her course of preventative chemotherapy in 2024, during which Catherine took a step back from her royal duties.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the former senior private executive assistant to the Waleses detailed how she offered her “unwavering support” to the Prince and Princess of Wales during tough periods.
“I’ve made incredible friendships there and I look back on my memories totally fondly and I just feel really grateful to have had that opportunity,” she said.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024
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“I learnt so much from the people I was working for. It’s planning, it’s being ready, it’s offering an unwavering level of support to who you are working with.
“And my work has definitely evolved now, but my standards remain the same.”
She described working with the Wales family as “an extraordinary privilege” that she holds “so close to my heart.”
Natasha Archer played a central role during Catherine’s cancer treatment and subsequent chemotherapy
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The Princess of Wales previously described her treatment, which ended on September 9, 2024, as “quite a daunting experience”, emphasising the crucial role of support teams and her inner circle during treatment.
During a visit to Colchester Hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre last year, the 44-year-old said cancer treatment is a “life-changing experience, both for the patient but also for the families as well.”
“You have to find your new normal, and that takes time… and it’s a rollercoaster, it’s not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it’s not, you go through hard times,” said Catherine.
The mother-of-three announced she was in remission from cancer on January 14, 2025.
The Princess of Wales announced she was in remission from cancer on January 14, 2025
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“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she said at the time.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”
Months later, Ms Archer would leave her role at Kensington Palace, marking the end of more than 15 years of dedicated service.