Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again facing turbulence inside their California empire — and this time, it’s their own staff jumping ship.
James Holt, one of the Sussexes’ longest-serving and most trusted aides, has quit his post as executive director of their Archewell Foundation — just days after their top communications boss walked out the door.
The Sudden Shake-Up
Holt, who began working with Prince Harry back in 2017 during the royal’s mental health campaigns for British soldiers, confirmed his resignation in a statement saying it was “time for my family to return to London.”
After following Harry and Meghan to Los Angeles in 2020 to launch Archewell, Holt helped spearhead the couple’s philanthropic brand — now rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies. “I’ll miss my colleagues deeply, and I’m grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they’ve done,” he said.
The Sussexes called Holt’s leadership “extraordinary,” adding that he’ll still be involved in coordinating their “humanitarian trips overseas.”
A PR Exodus
Holt’s exit came just 72 hours after the couple’s 11th publicist since 2020, Meredith Maines, also announced her departure. Maines had been Archewell’s chief communications officer for less than a year before revealing she’d be “pursuing a new opportunity in 2026.”
Her role will now be filled by Liam Maguire, who’s handled Harry’s PR in the UK and Europe.
Trouble Behind the Scenes
The Archewell brand has been struggling to regain footing after a string of controversies and staff resignations. The foundation, initially meant to symbolize the Sussexes’ fresh start after stepping back from royal duties, has faced criticism for its high turnover and limited visibility in the charity space.
And Meghan’s alleged “Duchess Difficult” reputation still lingers. Reports have accused the former Suits star of bullying staffers both in the UK and US — claims her team has repeatedly denied. Still, insiders describe her as “relentless,” with one telling The Hollywood Reporter, “She marches around like a dictator in high heels… I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”
What’s Next for the Sussexes?
The couple, who have weathered multiple PR crises since moving to Montecito, are reportedly preparing a new round of “humanitarian initiatives” under the Archewell Philanthropies name. But with two high-level exits in a matter of days, questions are swirling about who’s really steering the ship.
As one industry insider put it, “It’s one thing to lose a publicist — it’s another to lose the person who kept your empire running.”
Source: RadarOnline
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