The public relations operation supporting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is facing a crisis of continuity, with the confirmed exit of James Holt marking the twelfth senior communications or strategic staff member to leave in just five years. This rapid churn, averaging more than two departures every twelve months, raises serious questions about the stability and management of their global brand.
The Latest High-Profile Departures
James Holt, a long-serving lieutenant, confirmed his departure in late December 2025. Having worked with Prince Harry since 2017, Holt served as Head of Engagement and Communications and later ran their Archewell charity from 2021. His exit, attributed to a desire to return to London with his family, follows closely on the heels of Meredith Maines, the Chief Communications Officer who resigned after less than a year in the role.
Maines's tenure, which began in March 2025, was reportedly turbulent. She was at the centre of a media storm over a secret meeting with King Charles's communications secretary and faced internal difficulties, particularly following a public relations mishap involving Kris Jenner's birthday party. Her departure, announced in January 2026, was reportedly decided in mid-November.
A Pattern of Rapid Turnover and 'Survivor' Culture
The exits of Holt and Maines are not isolated incidents but part of a persistent pattern. Six key publicity staff members severed ties with the couple in 2025 alone. This list includes Emily Robinson, Director of Communications for just three months in mid-2025, and the earlier departures of Ashley Hansen, Kyle Boulia, and Charlie Gipson in a broader communications reshuffle.
Insiders describe the working environment as challenging, with some former staff reportedly omitting their Sussex tenure from professional profiles like LinkedIn. A source characterised the role as an 'impossible, miserable' job, where any negative publicity leads to someone 'paying' the price. This atmosphere has led some ex-employees to jokingly refer to themselves as the 'Sussex Survivors Club'.
Strategic Shifts and Ongoing Challenges
Statements from departing aides and the Sussex camp consistently cite strategic evolution and personal reasons for the changes. James Holt stated his work with the couple was a 'great privilege', and he will remain a senior philanthropic advisor. The Duke and Duchess praised his 'stellar support'. Similarly, Maines expressed 'utmost gratitude' for her year of 'inspiring work'.
However, the staff exodus coincides with a period of significant public relations challenges for the couple. These have ranged from criticism of Meghan's Paris Fashion Week video, filmed on a route reminiscent of Princess Diana's last journey, to the fallout from Harry's BBC interview criticising the 'establishment'. The couple's operations have also transitioned towards using external agency support, such as Method Communications, to manage global media.
The revolving door at Archewell underscores the immense pressure on the Sussexes' commercial and philanthropic ventures. With a staff turnover rate rivalling that of famously unstable football clubs, the fundamental question remains whether this instability is a symptom of a transitional phase or a deeper operational issue within their California-based enterprise.
