Kate’s long-serving aide Natalie Barrows draws attention after ‘twinning’ in Scotland with matching tartan coat
Catherine, Princess of Wales, was joined by her assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows during a recent trip to Scotland with Prince William, with royal watchers noting the pair appeared to coordinate their outerwear. The moment put a rare spotlight on the senior aide who is regularly seen just behind the Princess at public engagements and plays a key role in the day-to-day running of her schedule.
The Mirror reported that Ms Barrows wore a blue tartan coat that was almost identical to the Princess of Wales’s ankle-length plaid jacket during the Scotland outing, a detail that prompted attention from onlookers as the Princess greeted crowds.
According to the report, Ms Barrows has worked for Catherine since 2017, first joining the household when she was Duchess of Cambridge. The aide’s role includes co-ordinating diaries, organising travel, managing correspondence and ensuring the Princess is briefed ahead of meetings, with the job described as akin to a chief of staff.
The Mirror said the Scotland appearance was not the first time the two have “twinned”, citing previous outings including a Natural History Museum visit in 2019 and a trip to South Wales in 2020 where their outfits were also similar. Separate Britpop News reporting has highlighted how the Princess continues to shape her public image, including when she revealed a new royal signature in recent communications.
Ms Barrows’s support was also said to be especially important during Catherine’s illness in 2024, when engagements were postponed or rescheduled and staff ensured key work continued. The attention on her latest appearance underlines how behind-the-scenes palace roles can briefly become visible during high-profile public visits.
