Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing yet another unexpected departure from their inner circle as a senior Archewell figure prepares to step away, adding to growing questions about the Sussexes professional stability. The news comes just weeks after the high profile exit of their longtime publicist, leaving royal watchers closely scrutinising the couple next move.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are already navigating a period of transition following the rebrand of their charitable organisation. Earlier this month, the couple confirmed that Archewell Foundation has been renamed Archewell Philanthropies, a shift they described as part of a broader restructuring of their global charitable work.
Amid that change, James Holt, who has led Archewell since 2021, revealed that he will be leaving his role and relocating back to the United Kingdom with his family. His announcement marked another significant loss for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they close out a challenging year.
Despite the surprise timing, Holt made it clear that his departure was not rooted in conflict. In a heartfelt statement, he described working with Prince Harry and Meghan as one of the great privileges of his career, offering warm praise for both figures.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Holt highlighted his earliest collaboration with Prince Harry eight years ago. He recalled efforts focused on improving mental health support for soldiers within the British military, noting that those projects shaped his outlook on meaningful impact.
He also pointed to more recent humanitarian initiatives, including work supporting injured children in Gaza. According to Holt, Prince Harry consistently encouraged bold thinking and pushed his team to expand the scope of what was possible through philanthropy.
Holt reserved equally glowing words for Meghan Markle, describing an immediate connection when they first met. He characterised the Duchess as someone who brings joy even during difficult moments and who connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.
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One area Holt described as particularly meaningful involved support for families affected by online harm. He said that this work stood out as the most impactful chapter of his professional life, praising the resilience and strength of the families involved.
As he prepares to hand over leadership responsibilities, Holt emphasised his confidence in the future of Archewell Philanthropies. He stated that after five years in Los Angeles, the decision to return to London felt like the right step for his family.
He also expressed gratitude toward his colleagues, noting that he would miss working alongside the team deeply. His closing words reflected appreciation for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, both personally and professionally.
From the outside, the tone of Holt statement suggests there is no bad blood between him and the Sussexes. Instead, the departure appears to align with broader organisational changes rather than internal discord.
Still, the timing has sparked renewed speculation, especially following the recent exit of publicist Meredith Maines. Multiple staff departures in a short period have drawn attention to the pressures surrounding the Sussexes expanding philanthropic and media ambitions.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have repeatedly positioned Archewell as a long term platform for global impact. However, continued reshuffling behind the scenes raises questions about how the organisation will evolve and who will guide it forward.
As 2026 approaches, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex find themselves at another crossroads. With trusted figures stepping away, the coming months may prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry charitable legacy.
