Departure is a blow to Kate at her most vulnerable time: LIZ JONES

It must feel as though your closest friend, privy to all your secrets, who has seen you at your best and worst, stood in your undies in front of an unforgiving mirror, is suddenly ghosting you. A body blow, just when you need every ounce of strength, every inch of confidence to step out onto the world stage. A friend who talks you down, shores you up and, most importantly, tells you honestly what she thinks.

I imagine the news that the Princess of Wales’s personal stylist, Natasha Archer, is leaving her side after 15 years to set up her own business feels a little like a divorce. Who will hold my hand now?

Natasha ‘Tash’ Archer, 37, joined the Royal household in 2010 as a junior assistant, the year William and Kate got engaged. She has been by Catherine’s side for every key moment, even smuggling in dress choices before the new mum emerged on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital with baby George in her arms, and has travelled with the princess on official overseas trips to Norway, Pakistan, Bhutan and Canada. Together, they have grown in confidence.