The Reason Behind Kate's Edgy Makeover

It's an exciting time for the royal family! With royal baby number two on the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are under increased scrutiny, which might explain why Kate Middleton has hired a new stylist, Natasha Archer, to help her ditch her tame look for something a little more exciting.

According to Vanity Fair's "Royal Watch" segment, 27-year-old Archer is a personal assistant at Kensington Palace who has been helping Middleton re-vamp her image. The assistant-turned-stylist is responsible for the Duchess's bolder fashion choices, such as the baby blue Jenny Packham dress she stepped out in several weeks ago and a cut-out Temperley London number that sold out online in less than 24 hours. So that solves the mystery of Kate's increasingly edgy maternity style choices!

A source close to Arch told "Royal Watch," “Initially Kate was a reluctant fashion icon, but now she enjoys it. [Natasha] helps source some of the clothes. She shops a lot for Kate online, and calls in hundreds of dresses for Kate to try on. She has persuaded Kate to take some more risks. The hemlines are shorter and Kate’s really pushing the boat out in the fashion stakes.”

Kate Middleton before

Although Archer has been pushing the Duchess in a riskier direction, Middleton always gives the official go-ahead on the pieces she opts to wear. If you look back at her outfits for recent public appearances, you can see that, despite the interesting new vibe, Middleton always seems comfortable. Her makeover is less of an overhaul and more of an upgrade.

Kate Middleton after

So far, I really like what I see. Kate Middleton's look has always felt too conservative for my liking, but her latest fashion choices have been super inspiring. I kind of want to go shopping with this Natasha Archer chick — but, like, only if she's buying. I don't exactly have Kate Middleton-size pockets.

Images: Getty Images(2)