Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s communications team has seen its 11th departure in five years, with Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines leaving after just 10 months, signaling deeper challenges in their independent ventures.
Maines, a Stanford graduate with experience at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Hulu, Google, and American Idol, joined in March 2025 to bolster the Sussexes’ strategy. Her exit on December 26, 2025, followed a statement expressing gratitude for her time with the couple and Archewell. This marks roughly two departures annually since 2020, far exceeding the typical 3-to-5-year tenure for such roles. Insiders point to a pattern of high turnover amid shifting expectations and internal pressures.
Kardashian Rift Emerges
Tensions surfaced at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party on November 8, 2025, held at Jeff Bezos’s $175 million Beverly Hills estate with a James Bond theme. Meghan and Harry attended, and photos featuring them were posted by Kris and Kim Kardashian. Within 48 hours, the images were deleted. Sources indicate the Sussexes requested removal due to the event’s timing with Remembrance Sunday and Veterans Day, viewing the celebrity gathering as mismatched with military commemorations.
An insider noted Kris Jenner’s surprise, as her circle expected approval for such posts, especially given prior support extended to the couple. The fallout has prompted warnings to Hollywood contacts to maintain distance.
PR Industry Rejects Overtures
Top U.S. agencies have turned down opportunities to represent the Sussexes, despite handling clients with tougher reputations. Former staff describe the principals as difficult to please, with demands for constant rewrites, micromanagement, and reactions escalating over minor issues.
One account highlighted ignored advice, where strategies were discarded based on personal instincts or negative headlines, creating an unstable environment. PR expert Mayah Riaz described it as turning professionals into crisis responders. Budget constraints compound the issue, as the couple seeks high-impact results at lower costs compared to peers like the Kardashians or Beyoncé.
Archewell Faces Financial Strain
The Archewell Foundation reported a $2.5 million deficit in 2024, raising $2.1 million in donations but spending $5.1 million, including $1.25 million in grants. Staff was cut by 80-85%, leaving minimal personnel. Donations fluctuated wildly: $5.7 million in 2023 mostly from one anonymous source, down from $13 million in 2022 and $2 million in 2021.
Expenses included $913,000 in salaries and $2.9 million in other costs, linked to trips to Nigeria and Colombia involving official meetings and events. A rebrand to Archewell Philanthropies was announced in December 2025.
Commercial Ventures Falter
Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan reached 526,000 households in its first five days, while Harry’s Polo series drew under 500,000 views. Her holiday special scored 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. The couple’s deal shifted to a “first-look” arrangement in August 2025.
Her lifestyle site As Ever recorded 196,831 monthly visits in October 2025, trailing Goop’s 812,462. Early product sellouts gave way to concerns over sustained traffic. In response to Maines’s exit, UK-based Liam Maguire was promoted to oversee global communications from London, a move seen as cost-saving but challenging for California operations across time zones.
Leadership and Stability Questions
Former employees attribute issues to leadership rather than misfortune, citing unwillingness to heed counsel and a culture requiring post-exit recovery. Prince William and Kate Middleton, by contrast, retain long-term communications staff through structured protocols. As 2026 progresses, the Sussexes confront no new major TV deals, legal expenses, absent top PR backing, and frayed industry ties.
Expert Isabella Fordwich noted professionals avoid volatile setups lacking longevity. Maines’s departure underscores broader dysfunction in strategy, culture, finances, and partnerships, where repeated hires yield similar results. Addressing these core elements will shape their path forward amid narrowing options.
Sources:
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and CCO, Method Communications Part Ways. PR Week, December 26, 2025
Archewell Foundation 2024 Tax Filings Show $2.5 Million Deficit. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, November 2025
Meghan and Harry Lose 11th Publicist in Five Years as PR Exodus Continues. The Independent, December 26, 2025