Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been dealt a significant setback with the departure of their most trusted and long-serving advisor, James Holt. His exit marks the latest in a series of high-profile staff resignations that have plagued the couple's operations since their move to the United States.
The Departure of a 'Rock'
James Holt, described as the couple's 'rock', has stepped down from his role as Executive Director of their Archewell Foundation. The news emerged over the 2025 Christmas period, signalling a major shift within their inner circle. Holt had been a pivotal figure for the Sussexes, guiding them through their tumultuous exit from the UK in 2020, the launch of their charitable endeavours, and the publication of Harry's memoir, Spare.
Initially joining as their PR representative in 2019, Holt relocated with them to California to help manage their transition to a new life. He even appeared in their Netflix documentary, discussing their work. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Holt expressed his deep connection to the couple's mission, particularly their work supporting families affected by online harm. He cited a desire to return to London with his own family as the reason for his departure, noting a transition period would follow.
A Pattern of High Staff Turnover
Holt's resignation is far from an isolated incident. The Sussexes have developed a reputation for a rapid churn of senior communications and strategy staff. Earlier in the same week, it was revealed that Meredith Maines, their chief communications officer, had left after just ten months in the role.
This pattern extends back several years. In 2024, Emily Robinson, their director of communications and a former Netflix PR, quit after a mere three months. A source suggested at the time that conditions must have been "pretty horrible" for her to leave so abruptly. Similarly, Prince Harry's former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, lasted only three months before departing in 2024.
The list of departures is extensive and includes key figures such as:
- Ashley Hansen, Global Press Secretary (May 2022 - October 2024), who left to start her own firm.
- Kyle Boulia, Press Secretary and Director of Communications (April 2024 - June 2025).
- Charlie Gipson, European Communications Director (April 2024 - July 2025).
- Toya Holness, who served as press secretary and later Head of Communications (October 2020 - 2022).
- Christine Schirmer, a senior communications advisor (2020 - 2023).
- Deesha Tank, a key PR contact from 2022 until June 2025, who now works for Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty.
Reputation and Rebuttals
This consistent staff exodus has fuelled a narrative that the couple, and Meghan in particular, are challenging employers. Reports in outlets like the Hollywood Reporter have carried claims that Meghan "belittles people" and "doesn't take advice," allegedly earning her the moniker "Duchess Difficult" in some circles. A Vanity Fair cover story earlier this year also painted an unflattering picture.
Some former staff have pushed back against this characterisation. Josh Kettler, despite his short tenure, publicly stated that Harry and Meghan were "dedicated and hardworking" and that he was "warmly welcomed." Nevertheless, the sheer volume of departures—with at least eleven publicists and senior advisors having moved on—presents a persistent operational challenge for their Archewell Foundation and commercial ventures.
The departure of James Holt, a steadfast and experienced figure, therefore represents more than just another resignation. It underscores the ongoing difficulties the Sussexes face in maintaining a stable, long-term team to execute their ambitious projects and manage their global profile.
