In a matter of days, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have seen two key members of their team depart: Meredith Maines, the chief communications officer, and James Holt, who previously headed their organization, Archewell.
Holt had been overseeing the couple’s public relations from 2019 to 2021 before shifting focus to collaborate closely with the Sussexes on their charitable efforts post their royal exit in 2020. On the other hand, Maines resigned after a brief 10-month stint with Harry and Meghan, marking the eleventh departure of a publicist from their team in five years.
Following Holt’s resignation, sources revealed that he desired more time with his family in London, emphasizing the honor of working alongside the Duke and Duchess. Holt expressed gratitude for the impactful projects undertaken with Prince Harry, ranging from improving mental health support for soldiers to aiding injured children in Gaza.
Maines also announced her exit, citing a year of fulfilling work with the Sussexes and Archewell and expressing gratitude for the positive impact they create globally. Notably, the turnover of communication staff within the Sussex team has been high, prompting questions about the challenges of working alongside Harry and Meghan long-term.
Speculations have circulated about the demanding nature of working for the couple, with reports of past staff seeking therapy and describing the environment as “toxic” and “draining.” Despite these claims, the Sussexes have refuted allegations of mistreatment.
Critics have highlighted Harry and Meghan’s ambiguous messaging to the public, questioning their stance on privacy versus publicity and their evolving identity as celebrities or dignitaries. The couple’s diverse ventures, from Netflix projects to charity work and mingling with Hollywood personalities, have left observers perplexed about their direction.
As the Sussexes prepare to recruit a new public relations representative, Liam Maguire, the current UK and Europe communications director, will assume a more prominent role in managing publicity efforts. Amid uncertainties about their 2026 plans, the couple faces challenges in defining their future path, with the new PR expert tasked with navigating their varied initiatives.
The public’s lukewarm reception towards Harry and Meghan, attributed to criticism of the Royal Family and unconventional career choices, may contribute to the difficulty in retaining long-term communication chiefs. As the couple navigates a transition in their PR team, the upcoming year poses challenges as they strive to solidify their vision amidst ongoing public scrutiny.