The ‘rock’ Duke and Duchess has quit his role as director of their charity Archewell.
James Holt, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s closest aide and ‘rock’, has announced that he has left his job at the couple’s charity. After serving as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public relations manager from 2019 to 2021, Holt became the head of the Archewell organization.
The couple had a close friendship with Holt, even moving to California when they decided to step back from the royal family in 2020. Some may also know Holt from his appearance on the explosive Netflix series, Meghan & Harry.
In the documentary, he claimed Meghan’s “fairy tale” of her marriage to her prince had been destroyed because of Brexit, which had sparked racist views across the country. Since moving to America, Holt has helped the Sussexes with their charitable efforts through Archewell Philanthropies – formerly called the Archewell Foundation.
However, five years after its creation, Holt is now stepping down as head of the organization in a major blow. With sources saying he wanted to spend more time in London with his family, Holt released a statement to the media sharing that it had been a “great privilege” to work with the Sussexes over the years, the Mirror reports.
The statement read: “Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career. From my first project with Prince Harry eight years ago aimed at improving mental health support for British Army soldiers, to our recent work supporting injured children in Gaza, he has constantly challenged me to think bigger about how we can make a difference.”
He also added that he had found a “kindred spirit” in Meghan, who he said is often able to find joy in “difficult times.” He said: “Above all, the work we have done together to support families affected by online harm will remain the most meaningful of my professional life. These families are amazing and they inspire me every day.
“After five incredible years in Los Angeles, it is time for my family to return to London. When I hand over the leadership team at Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I will do so with immense pride and optimism about what lies ahead.
“I will miss my colleagues greatly, and I am grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they have done – for me and for the countless people we have worked to support.”
The Duke and Duchess also reacted to their dear friend’s departure, writing: “James has provided us with remarkable support for almost a decade. His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic efforts has been extraordinary.”
However, it appears that Holt will still play a role in the organization as he will serve as a senior philanthropic advisor to the couple. The statement added: “As James brings his young family back to the UK, we are proud that he will continue to guide various humanitarian trips for us overseas through Archewell Philanthropies.”
This departure may not have come at the best time as Archewell is currently facing various crises. This includes the departure of Director of Programs and Operations, Kirsten Slevin, and Director of Communications, Meredith Maines.
Speaking on Maines’ departure, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess said: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”
Maines also released a statement saying, “After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will pursue a new opportunity in 2026. I have the greatest gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and for the good they are doing in the world.”
They are not the couple’s first aides to leave since their move to California, as it was reported last October that the Sussexes had lost 10 aides since stepping down from royal duties.
That includes Emily Robinson, who served as the couple’s communications director for three months after being hired in June. Last year, their global press secretary, Ashley Hansen, also left to launch her own consultancy after two years.
