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Meet Natasha Archer and Amanda Cook Tucker: the Duchess of Cambridge's royal 'glam squad'
The Duchess of Cambridge is safely delivered of royal baby number three. And it will now likely only be a matter of hours before she appears on the steps of the Lindo Wing to present her new bundle of joy to the world.
It may be most new mothers' worst nightmare, but thankfully- and naturally- Kate has a close knit team of helpers on hand to help ensure she looks her usual glossily groomed self for her moment in front of the world's press.
For the past few years, the Duchess has worked closely with former PA Natasha Archer and hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker to ensure that her every public appearence is pristine. The duo are often spotted loading vanity cases and suit carriers onto the royal jet during tours or lurking behind the scenes to tend to the Duchess whenever she needs.
Here is everything you need to know about the royal glam squad who will be on hand for Kate's Lindo Wing exit...
Natasha Archer... the trusted stylist who's tempted Kate into more experimental designs
The Hispanic Studies graduate began working as a PA in William and Kate's office in 2007 but in 2014 it was reported that she had segued into the role of style adviser and wardrobe manager for the Duchess, sourcing outfit options and ensuring that looks are perfectly put-together for each engagement.
Archer has already been spotted leaving the Lindo Wing today- probably so that she can fetch the dress which Kate will wear to leave hospital.
Last year, Archer married Chris Jackson who is a royal photographer for Getty Images and has shot many portraits of the Cambridges, making the couple amongst the family's most trusted circle. For her wedding, Archer wore a bridal gown designed by Jenny Packham, one of Kate's favourite designers.
What's she done for Kate's wardrobe
Although the palace has never officially confirmed that Natasha Archer's helping hand in the Duchess's wardrobe, a number of designers have spoken out about working with Archer on the looks which Kate has worn.
When the Duchess wore a grey wrap coat by SENTALER, the brand's founder Bojana Sentaler told The Telegraph that she had worked with Archer to provide options. "Her stylist discovered SENTALER and reached out to us directly. The entire relationship is very organic," Sentaler explained.
The Duchess of Cambridge's tour looks are often customised to ensure they are appropriate and in keeping with her style preferences.
On the royal tour of India in 2016, the Duchess wore a printed dress by Mumbai-born designer Anita Dongre, which Natasha altered. “In India a lot of women would wear this ["Gulrukh" dress] with trousers and a stole,” Dongre explained to The Telegraph. “Her stylist has taken the stole and converted part of that into the belt and then chopped it off so it can be worn as a dress. She’s amazing - it looks easy, breezy and so contemporary.” It is believed that Natasha Archer is behind these alterations, as well as the one believed to purchase her clothes online.
The first clue that she might be playing an integral role in The Duchess's wardrobe came in 2013, when she was seen arriving at the Lindo Wing following the birth of Prince George with a hanger bag, presumably containing the blue and white polka dot Jenny Packham dress which Kate then wore to give the world its first glimpse of the future King a few hours later.
Since then, Archer has been credited for coaxing Kate into pieces by new designers in more regal silhouettes with a younger, more glamorous look than many of ensembles seen earlier in her marriage.
Amanda Cook Tucker... the hairdresser who's gone from trimming William and Harry's hair to styling Kate's
When the smallest change in your cut can make the front page, finding someone to manage your hair is no small task. Whether she’s leaving the Lindo Wing after giving birth, hiking for three hours to a monastery in Bhutan or picking up Prince George from school, The Duchess of Cambridge is always picture perfect.
Despite women all around the world envying her locks, Prince William once said that Kate’s hair is a “nightmare”. The Duke joked with a trainee hairdresser that Kate struggled to find anyone willing to cut and style her hair because of how “long and thick” it is.
Cue Amanda Cook Tucker, Kate’s secret weapon since 2012. Having first entrusted her locks to Amanda during the Diamond Jubilee Tour of South East Asia in 2012, the hairdresser now accompanies Kate on all royal tours and engagements as well as putting together her immaculate evening updos which are often finished with a tiara.
Who is she?
Having cut Prince William and Harry’s hair when they were younger, we already knew Amanda could be trusted with royal locks. Her ex-husband, Neville Tucker, also ran a salon in Knightsbridge that held a Royal Warrant from 1980 to 1994. Amanda and Neville worked closely during those years with the Queen’s hairdresser, so Her Majesty approves too.
Amanda was the second visitor to see Prince George when he was born, even before his grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton. She styled Kate’s hair after the birth of George and Charlotte, it’s thought that she will be visiting the Duchess in the Lindo Wing again after the birth of royal baby number three.
After Prince Charles picked up a copy of Amanda’s invoice from her first Royal Tour in 2012, we know that she charges £300 a day to be permanently on hand should a strand go out of place. However, it has been reported that Kate pays for this herself.
What has she done for Kate’s hair?
Whether it’s a stylish updo, her signature bouncy curls or the long-bob she cut her hair into before her pregnancy announcement last year, Amanda is behind it all.
It was revealed in January that the Duchess chose to donate the seven inches of hair that she had cut off and it was sent anonymously into the Little Princess Trust. The charity was set up 12-years-ago and have so far donated over 5,500 wigs to children undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
While Kate still visits the Richard Ward salon in Chelsea for any touch ups when her hair needs colouring, Amanda is believed to cut the Duchess’ hair from the comfort of her own home. She can also be credited for Kate’s hair on the cover of British Vogue’s centenary issue in 2016 as it was revealed she turned up to the country-shoot in rollers and would only trust Amanda with her styling her mane.
What are her secrets?
Giving us an insight into how to style hair fit for a (future) Queen, Amanda shared a snap on her private Instagram account, which has now been deleted, showing the tools she uses to keep every strand of Kate’s hair perfectly in place during a Royal Tour. The image, which was shared before the Duke and Duchess’ trip to Sweden and Norway, shows the two hairdryers, 13 brushes, seven combs, three curling tongs and six products that Amanda uses to style Kate's hair.
Among the products was L'Oreal's Elnett Supreme Hold hairspray, a popular and affordable favourite, as well as Charles Worthington’s Texturising Spray and Body Booster Mousse to keep her brown locks perfectly in place and always bouncy.
When travelling to South East Asia, India or Australia it can be tricky to keep your hair in order, but on a Royal Tour you need to be constantly camera ready. Cue Amanda Cook Tucker and her frizz-busting coconut oil. This secret ingredient has kept Kate’s locks at bay during Royal engagements since 2012.