Meredith Maines is thought to be the eleventh public relations professional to exit the Sussexes’ employment since they relinquished their duties as working members of the Royal Family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have parted ways with their Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines following just twelve months in the role.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have simultaneously ended their relationship with PR consultancy Method Communications after a mere seven months.

 

Maines, who took up the CCO position in January, is departing from Archewell, the couple’s foundation.

The US-based consultancy firm, which positions itself as an organisation that “challenges the status quo”, was brought on board earlier this year.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have parted ways with their Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines following just twelve months in the role. | GETTY

Maines is thought to be the eleventh public relations professional to exit the Sussexes’ employment since they relinquished their duties as working members of the Royal Family and relocated to America in 2020.

An Archewell spokesman confirmed the departures, stating: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell.

“The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”

Maines herself expressed positive sentiments about her time with the couple, saying: “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.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Maines is thought to be the eleventh public relations professional to exit the Sussexes’ employment since they relinquished their duties as working members of the Royal Family. | GETTY

“I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world.”

The Sussexes are not anticipated to appoint a new CCO, instead elevating Liam Maguire, their UK and Europe communications director, to serve as lead.

GB News has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

A new agency has reportedly been secured to replace Method Communications for American operations.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have simultaneously ended their relationship with PR consultancy Method Communications after a mere seven months. | GETTY

Maines brought considerable experience from the technology and entertainment sectors prior to joining the Sussexes, having previously held positions at Google and streaming platform Hulu, where she oversaw communications.

She also served as a talent manager for American Idol before moving to Lightspeed Venture Partners, from which she was recruited to work with Harry and Meghan a year ago.

However, a source indicated that the appointments raised questions in some quarters.

A source told The Sun: “There were a few eyebrows raised when Method and Meredith were retained, given their heavy experience background in tech and venture capitalism, especially given the work of the couple.”