Kate Middleton is one of the world’s most watched, commented on, and admired personalities, not least for her impeccable sense of style. She has become one of the world’s most elegant style icons, a champion for British designers and an advocate of responsible consumption. Her looks, through their provenance or hues, often convey powerful messages that require meticulous behind-the-scenes work to prepare.
Until recently, this task has fallen to Natasha Archer. For 15 years, the Briton traveled the world at Kate’s side, planning her outfits, some of which have become iconic. A witness to major family events and royal tragedies, she ultimately became her confidante. But in mid-July, she announced that she was stepping down from her position to concentrate on launching her own fashion design firm. The big question remains: who will succeed her?
The British media are largely convinced that the future queen’s stylist will be Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, nicknamed Ginnie by friends. A former market editor at U.K. Vogue, she’s no stranger to grappling with both fashion and public relations. Today, while continuing to write about style for the Telegraph and Sky News, she also advises private clients through her styling firm, VCH Style. She encourages her clients to “embrace the need for less” and “shop better,” according to her website, a philosophy that fits in perfectly with Kate’s personal fashion ethics.
The daughter of a Lord, Chadwyck-Healey has moved in the same circles as the princess for many years. Like Kate, she studied art history at St Andrews University. Also like Kate, she met her future husband Oliver there—the couple were invited to the royal wedding of Kate and Prince William in April 2011. And like Kate, she now lives with her three children in Berkshire, west of London.
Beyond her CV and her proximity to Wales, Chadwyck-Healey has a third major asset: she has already been Kate’s stylist. In 2019, while Natasha Archer was on maternity leave, royal fans spotted a subtle change in style in Prince William’s wife. The journalist was the reason. “Ginnie is Catherine’s secret weapon,” a royal source told the Daily Mail. “She has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence.” Catherine was said to be “impressed” and “very grateful” for Chadwyck-Healey’s help.
Fans of royal fashion are even more convinced of Chadwyck-Healey’s frontrunner status since Carole Middleton’s appearance at Wimbledon. She wore a loose-fitting striped dress, the result of a collaboration between Chadwyck-Healey and the Beulah London label, which Kate is particularly fond of. And we all know that the most discreet clues about royal fashion often speak the loudest.
For the moment, nothing has been confirmed. The Telegraph also highlighted the possibility of another contender, Jamie Earlam, who, according to her LinkedIn page, is currently the personal clothing assistant to the Wales family. Will Kate Middleton buy Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey’s expertise, or will she surprise us by choosing an unexpected candidate? The answer can’t be far away.
Originally published in Vanity Fair France.
