The Royal Family is once again bracing for drama, and this time it’s Meghan Markle at the center of a storm that could reignite old wounds. Reports suggest that Meghan is actively trying to recruit Natasha “Tash” Archer – the longtime aide who was once the backbone of Kate Middleton’s inner circle – to join her new lifestyle empire. For the Princess of Wales, who has leaned on Archer for over a decade, the possibility is being described by palace insiders as nothing short of a “royal betrayal.”

Known affectionately as “Tash,” Archer joined the royal household in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks to become senior private executive assistant to Kate and Prince William. She wasn’t just a staffer – she was a confidante. Archer styled the Princess for high-profile tours, was by her side during pregnancies, and remained close even during Kate’s recent health struggles. For someone so central to the Princess’s private and public life to even be linked to Meghan Markle’s projects is sending shockwaves through Kensington Palace.

A palace source captured the emotional weight of the situation: “For Kate this isn’t just about work – it’s personal. Natasha stood by her through pregnancies, big public moments, and even her recent illness. The thought of Meghan moving in on someone so central to her life feels like the deepest betrayal. She’s genuinely afraid Natasha could be tempted away and used against her, and could spill her secrets to Meghan.”

Indeed, Archer’s loyalty has long been rewarded. In 2019, she was honored as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order for her services to the family. Beyond her official role, insiders credit Archer with shaping Middleton’s now-iconic image – the so-called “Kate effect” – where outfits worn by the Princess would sell out within hours. Natasha’s skill in making Kate appear both regal and relatable has been considered invaluable.

That’s exactly what, according to royal watchers, makes her so appealing to Meghan. “Meghan was always envious of the closeness between Kate and Natasha,” another insider claimed. “Natasha was the behind-the-scenes force who helped shape Kate’s image into something regal yet approachable, and Meghan knew it. If Meghan were to bring her on board now, even in an advisory role, it would be viewed as a direct strike at Kate.”

Archer, however, has already signaled her independence. After announcing her departure from Kensington Palace to start a private consultancy, she made her Instagram account public. In a subtle but notable move, she also quietly unfollowed Meghan and her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Still, that hasn’t stopped Meghan from making a play.

According to reports, Meghan is determined to bring Archer into her orbit as she pushes forward with her latest ventures. The Duchess is working on her second Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, while simultaneously expanding her As Ever product line. To strengthen her empire, Meghan is said to be pulling out all the stops – even if that means luring away one of Kate’s most trusted allies.

The timing is delicate. Kate has only recently begun to reappear publicly following her health challenges, and any suggestion of betrayal from someone in her close circle could hit especially hard. Meghan’s interest in Archer, therefore, isn’t being seen as mere business – but as a deliberate, strategic move in the long-standing rivalry between the two women.

Royal commentators argue that this could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the so-called “royal feud.” Archer’s potential defection would not just weaken Kate’s inner circle but could give Meghan invaluable insider insight into how her sister-in-law maintains her polished image.

For now, speculation continues to swirl. Will Natasha Archer accept Meghan’s overtures, risking her relationship with Kate? Or will she stand firm, choosing independence over royal entanglements?

One thing is certain – the mere suggestion that Meghan Markle could recruit the very woman who helped shape the Princess of Wales’s public identity has left royal insiders reeling. And whether Archer says yes or no, the move has already been interpreted as Meghan’s boldest strike yet.