When you think of the Kardashian family tree, the branches usually lead back to the "momager" herself, Kris Jenner. But tucked away in the more private corners of that famous lineage is a name that doesn't always hit the headlines: Natalie Zettel. If you've ever scrolled through Instagram and seen a face that looks eerily like a mix of Kendall and Kylie but can’t quite place her, you’ve likely found the answer to the question of who is Karen Houghton’s daughter.
Natalie is the only child of the late Karen Houghton—Kris Jenner’s younger sister—and her ex-husband, Mark Zettel. While her cousins are busy breaking the internet and building billion-dollar empires, Natalie has spent most of her life striking a delicate balance between being part of the world’s most famous family and maintaining a relatively grounded existence in Southern California.
Honestly, the dynamic is fascinating. You’ve got the flashy Kardashian-Jenner world on one side and then there's Natalie, who grew up in San Diego, went to prom, and lived a life that looks remarkably normal compared to the chaos of reality TV.
Growing Up in the Shadow of the Empire
Born in 1998, Natalie didn't choose the spotlight, but it was always nearby. Her mom, Karen, was Kris Jenner’s only biological sister. They were raised by their mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, and their father, Robert Houghton. While Kris and Karen were once very close, leaning on each other after their parents' divorce and their father's tragic death in a car accident in 1975, their adult relationship was... well, it was complicated.
For years, rumors of a rift between Kris and Karen swirled through the tabloids. Karen was often portrayed as the "black sheep" of the family, someone who lived a much more modest life and occasionally spoke to the press about her famous sister. But regardless of the drama between the adults, Natalie seemed to remain a constant in the family's life.
She wasn't a regular on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but she was there behind the scenes. You’d see her in the background of MJ’s birthday parties or posing for holiday photos at Kris’s mansion. It sort of feels like she was the bridge that kept the two sisters connected, even when things were tense.
The Model in the Family
It’s probably not surprising that Karen Houghton's daughter ended up in front of a camera. Modeling is practically the family business at this point. Natalie is a natural. She has those same striking features that have made her cousins global icons—high cheekbones, dark hair, and that unmistakable "Kardashian" look.
But she didn't just ride on her last name. In fact, for a long time, many people didn't even realize she was related to the Jenners. She started modeling in her late teens, doing "normal people stuff" like graduating high school and attending prom before diving into the industry. She even modeled for Kendall and Kylie’s swimwear line, which shows that despite any family friction, the cousins were supportive of her career.
Aside from modeling, she’s an entrepreneur. She launched Styles by Nat, a clothing rental subscription service. It’s a smart move—giving people access to high-end fashion without the commitment, which is very much in line with the current "circular fashion" trend. She also holds a degree in sociology from California State University San Marcos, proving she’s got more than just a famous face.
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The Loss of Karen Houghton
The world was shocked in March 2024 when news broke that Karen Houghton had passed away suddenly at the age of 65. The cause was later revealed to be cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia. For Natalie, it was a devastating blow. She lost her "best friend" and her "everything."
The tribute she posted on Instagram was heartbreaking. She talked about how it happened so fast and how she wasn't ready to say goodbye. It’s one of those moments where the celebrity veneer completely strips away, and you just see a 26-year-old girl mourning her mother. Kris Jenner also posted a very emotional tribute, which suggested that the sisters had found some level of peace before Karen’s passing.
Life After Loss: A New Chapter
Since her mother's death, Natalie has stepped into the spotlight a bit more. It seems like the Kardashian-Jenner clan has rallied around her.
- She made her first-ever appearance on the family’s Hulu show, The Kardashians, during an episode celebrating MJ’s 90th birthday.
- She recently got married in a stunning beachfront ceremony in La Jolla, California.
- Her aunt Kris was right there by her side for the wedding, gushing on social media about how "magical" the day was.
Natalie married Noah Warren, who runs a yacht management and sportfishing business. Her wedding dress was a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown, and she mentioned feeling her mother’s presence "the whole time" through the blue skies and calm waters. It feels like she’s finally coming into her own, building a life that honors her mother while embracing the support of her extended family.
Why Natalie Matters to the Brand
It’s easy to dismiss extended family members as "clout chasers," but Natalie doesn't fit that mold. She’s been around since day one and has never seemed desperate for the fame. In many ways, she represents what the Kardashians might have been if the reality TV cameras hadn't shown up in 2007.
She’s the link to their "pre-fame" life in San Diego. When you see her with MJ, you’re seeing a version of the family that feels authentic and unscripted. She’s a reminder that beneath the filters and the scripted drama, there’s a real family with real losses and real connections.
What to Watch for Next
If you're looking to keep up with Natalie, you won't find her in the tabloids every day. She’s much more low-key.
- Follow her Instagram: It’s a mix of professional modeling shots, behind-the-scenes family moments, and updates on her business.
- Keep an eye on The Kardashians: While she’s not a series regular, her recent appearance suggests we might see more of her in future family-centric episodes.
- Check out Styles by Nat: If you're into fashion, her rental service is a cool way to see her personal style reflected in the pieces she curates.
Natalie Zettel might be "the secret cousin," but she’s carving out a path that is uniquely hers. She’s handled the complexity of her family history with a lot of grace, especially following the loss of her mother. She isn't just Karen Houghton's daughter; she's a woman who has managed to navigate one of the world's most scrutinized families on her own terms.
To truly understand her story, you have to look past the "cousin of Kylie" headlines. She's a sociology grad, an entrepreneur, a wife, and a daughter who is keeping her mother's memory alive while building her own legacy in the fashion world.
Next Steps for Readers
If you want to stay updated on Natalie Zettel’s journey, the best place is her verified Instagram account, where she shares her latest modeling work and business ventures. You can also explore the Styles by Nat website to see how she’s bringing her fashion expertise to a wider audience through her rental subscription model. For those interested in the deeper history of the Houghton family, Kris Jenner’s autobiography, Kris Jenner... And All Things Kardashian, provides more context on the upbringing she and Karen shared in San Diego.