The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a glowing statement following the departure of their long-serving PR chief James Holt from their charity, Archewell. Holt, who appeared in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan, stepped down from his role as executive director of the Archewell Foundation, though he will continue as a senior philanthropic advisor.
In their statement, Meghan and Harry praised Holt as a 'stellar support' for nearly a decade, adding that as he moves his young family back to the UK, they are proud he will continue to guide humanitarian trips for them through Archewell Philanthropies. Holt also released a warm statement, calling Meghan a 'kindred spirit' and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with the couple.
The departure comes amid a period of transition for Archewell, which has seen other staff cuts this month, including the director of programs and operations, Kristen Slevin, who was on a $146,000 (£108,000) salary. Holt's exit leaves just one employee at the newly formed Archewell Philanthropies.
Holt, a University of Lincoln journalism graduate, was reportedly paid $245,000 (£181,000) by Archewell last year. Sources claim he is 'frustrated' about returning to the UK during this transitional period for the Sussexes, and is 'very protective' of the couple, anxious about reactions to his decision.
