The Sussexes’ response to two of their key aides quitting camp has created suspicion for a royal expert.

prince harry and meghan markle

James Holt and Meredith Maines quit the Sussex camp (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

A royal expert has questioned the “mystery” surrounding the decision of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, to quit the Sussexes camp. Maines quit her role after just 10 months working with Harry and Meghan. Speaking of the departure, a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”

James Holt, who also worked as the executive director at Harry and Meghan’s charity, the Archewell Foundation, for nearly five years, announced that he has stepped down from his role, too. Mr Holt also worked as the head of communications for the duke and duchess from September 2019 to March 2021.

Former BBC royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, said: “There’s more of a mystery surrounding Meredith Maines’ resignation. She was brought in as something of a hotshot and has only been with the Sussexes for a year. I thought the couple’s response to her resignation was decidedly cool and confirmed suspicions that their professional relationship had become rather troubled.”

In a statement, Maines said: “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.”

Harry and Meghan are reportedly not looking to hire a replacement for Ms Maines, as it is understood that the UK and Europe director of communications, Liam Maguire, will take the lead instead.

Meredith Maines, who started working for the Sussexes in March 2025, is believed to be the eleventh publicist in five years to exit the role after the couple stepped back from their roles as working royals and relocated to California in 2020.

Prince Harry
An expert thinks the couple’s response was “decidedly cool” (Image: Suzanne Plunkett – Pool/Getty Images)

Jennie even questioned why such key aides are needed. As reported in the Mirror, she said: “Perhaps it’s not so surprising that staff come and go at such a rate. I’m not really sure why they need so many staff in the first place.

“Why can’t they run their lives and their projects with just one or two helpers?”

With the future of hiring uncertain for Harry and Meghan given the recent loss of staff, the expert also looked ahead to next year: “I really don’t know what lies ahead for Harry and Meghan in 2026, but I hope that they will be happy and enjoy the life that they’ve chosen with their two lovely children in the Californian sunshine.”