The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been hit by a double departure of senior staff in the opening days of 2026, reigniting questions about their ability to retain key personnel and the clarity of their professional brand.
A Double Blow for the Sussex Operation
Just after the Christmas period, it was announced that two crucial aides were leaving the Sussexes' team. Chief communications officer Meredith Maines resigned after only ten months in the role. Her exit was followed swiftly by that of James Holt, the head of the couple's Archewell organisation, who had been a fixture since 2019.
This development means the couple are now seeking their eleventh publicist in just five years, a statistic that has drawn significant attention and concern from royal commentators.
Expert Questions 'Carelessness' and High Turnover
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond offered a stark assessment of the situation, suggesting the rapid succession of departures points to deeper issues. Quoting Oscar Wilde, she told the Mirror: “To lose one may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
Bond expressed particular puzzlement over Maines's short tenure, describing the couple's official response to her resignation as “decidedly cool” and indicative of a “rather troubled” professional relationship. While she found Holt's reason—a desire to spend more time with his family in London after six years—understandable, the pattern of frequent staff changes remained alarming.
“Why can’t Harry and Meghan command lasting loyalty from their staff?” Bond asked, referencing longstanding rumours about a demanding work environment. The couple have consistently denied any allegations of bullying.
The Core Problem: A 'Confused' Sussex Brand
According to Jennie Bond, a fundamental issue may lie in the very nature of the Sussexes' public profile. She argued that any publicist faces a uniquely complex challenge working for them due to an unclear brand identity.
“Their ‘brand’ such as it is, seems confused,” Bond stated. “Are they philanthropists or celebrities or influencers or TV producers or Royals craving privacy? Do they want to be on the front pages or do they want to be left alone? What exactly is a publicist employed to publicise?”
This lack of clear direction, Bond suggested, could be a primary driver behind the high staff turnover. She even questioned the necessity for such a large team, pondering why the couple couldn't manage their projects with just one or two dedicated helpers.
As the Sussexes enter 2026 with another staffing shake-up, their future path appears as unpredictable as ever. Bond concluded by expressing a hope for their personal happiness in California, but the professional challenges surrounding their operation seem set to persist.
