The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have seen a key lieutenant depart their charitable organisation, as PR guru James Holt resigned from his role at the Archewell Foundation.
A Decade of Service Comes to an End
James Holt, who worked with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for nearly ten years, officially stepped down on 29 December 2025. Holt, a University of Lincoln Journalism graduate, had been a pivotal figure, first serving as their PR chief before moving to California to help run their charity. He served as executive director of the Archewell Foundation alongside co-executive director Shauna Nep.
Both parties issued warm, public statements following the surprise announcement. The Sussexes praised Holt as a "stellar support," noting his planned move back to the UK with his young family. They confirmed he would continue to guide humanitarian trips overseas in 2026 in an advisory capacity for Archewell Philanthropies.
Statements and Speculation
In his own glowing resignation statement, Holt described Meghan as a "kindred spirit" who connects authentically with people. However, no specific reason for his exit was disclosed, ending his long-standing formal link with the charity's day-to-day operations.
This departure is part of a broader period of transition for Archewell. It was reported that two junior admin staff and the director of programs and operations, Kristen Slevin, were also let go earlier in December. Slevin was on a salary of $146,000 (approximately £108,000).
Holt's exit leaves just one employee at the new entity, Archewell Philanthropies. According to organisational records, Holt was paid $245,000 (roughly £181,000) by Archewell last year and had signed off its accounts as executive director.
Ongoing Role and Underlying Tensions
Despite resigning from his executive position, James Holt will remain a senior philanthropic advisor to the couple. Sources suggest, however, that Holt is "frustrated" his return to the UK coincides with this turbulent time for the Sussexes and that he is "very protective" of them, anxious about the reaction to his decision.
Holt was a loyal defender of the couple, famously telling the 2022 Netflix series Harry & Meghan that he believed there had been a Palace conspiracy to "put them in a box or make them irrelevant." His absence from the Archewell team photograph taken in November now appears telling.
The departure of such a central and well-compensated figure raises questions about the future structure and focus of the Sussexes' philanthropic endeavours as they navigate this ongoing period of change.
