Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Longtime Advisor Steps Down from His Role in Latest Staffing Shakeup

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have shared a behind-the-scenes update on their philanthropic team, confirming that longtime advisor James Holt is leaving his day-to-day role at Archewell.

On Monday, Jan. 29, Holt — the executive director of Archewell — announced the change in a statement.

He reflected on nearly a decade working with Prince Harry, beginning with a project focused on improving mental health support for soldiers in the British military, and continuing through more recent humanitarian efforts. Holt also spoke warmly about his partnership with Meghan, describing her as someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects sincerely with people from all walks of life.

Among the work he highlighted, Holt said supporting families impacted by online harm has been the most meaningful part of his career, crediting those families as a daily source of inspiration.

After five years based in Los Angeles, Holt said it’s time for his family to return to London. He added that when he transitions responsibilities to the team leading the organization in the coming months, he’ll do so with pride and optimism, while noting he’ll miss his colleagues and remains grateful to Harry and Meghan for their support and the work they’ve done together.

In their own statement, Meghan and Harry praised Holt’s contributions, calling him “a stellar support” for nearly ten years. They said that although he’s moving back to the U.K., he will continue to guide various humanitarian trips overseas through Archewell Philanthropies.

A spokesperson for the couple added: “James Holt will remain a senior philanthropic advisor for the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas in 2026.”

The update comes shortly after staffing changes within the Sussexes’ broader operation. Their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down after roughly 10 months in the role, according to prior confirmation. Maines, appointed in late February and starting in March, oversaw communications across the couple’s nonprofit efforts, business ventures and public-facing work.

It was also indicated that Maines would remain through the new year to support the transition. Meanwhile, the Sussexes’ U.K. and Europe director of communications, Liam Maguire, continues in his role, primarily overseeing Prince Harry’s communications.

The personnel updates arrive alongside a rebrand of the couple’s charitable organization. Meghan and Harry recently announced they are renaming their charity from Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies, saying the change reflects the expansion of their global efforts and the long-term goals they are building toward as a family, including their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

Three additional staffers were reportedly let go during the shift.

“The move toward a fiscal sponsor operating model does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles,” a spokesperson for the couple said on Dec. 22. “We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honored to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others.”