A cloud of mystery has emerged around the departure of Meredith Maines, the chief communications officer for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After just ten months in the role, Maines has stepped down from her position with the Sussexes’ team, prompting speculation about the nature of her exit.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex explained the departure diplomatically: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”
Adding to the wave of significant personnel changes, James Holt, who served as executive director at Harry and Meghan’s charitable organization Archewell for nearly five years and previously headed their communications from 2019 to 2021, has also announced his resignation.
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Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal correspondent, expressed curiosity about the couple’s subdued public response to these changes. “There’s more of a mystery surrounding Meredith Maines’ resignation,” Bond remarked. “She was brought in as a top-tier professional but lasted only a year. The couple’s cool response hints at possible tensions behind the scenes.”
In a statement, Maines reflected positively on her experience: “After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good work they are doing in the world,” as reported by the Express.
Reports indicate that Maines will not be directly replaced. Instead, Liam Maguire, the UK and Europe director of communications, is expected to take over her responsibilities.
Maines’ departure marks the 11th publicist to leave the Sussexes’ team in five years, a high turnover since the couple stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California in 2020.
Jennie Bond also questioned whether the Sussexes require so many personnel to manage their affairs. “Perhaps it’s not so surprising that staff come and go at such a rate. I’m not sure why they need so many staff in the first place,” she said. “Why can’t they run their lives and projects with just one or two helpers?”
With these recent departures, uncertainty surrounds the future of Harry and Meghan’s communications team. Bond shared her hopes for the couple: “I truly don’t know what lies ahead for Harry and Meghan in 2026, but I hope they find happiness and enjoy the life they’ve chosen with their two lovely children in the Californian sunshine.”