Prince Harry and Meghan’s closest aide quits

James Holt has left his role as executive director of Archewell after working with the Sussexes for nearly 10 years. Photo / Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s longest-serving member of staff has left their charity.

James Holt, who worked with the Sussexes in the UK and moved with them to California, has departed as executive director of Archewell.

The charity recently changed its name to Archewell Philanthropies, partly to streamline its administration.

Holt will remain an adviser to the Sussexes and will support their “humanitarian trips overseas in 2026”, a spokesman said. He will move back to the UK with his family.

He said that working for the Duke and Duchess had been “one of the great privileges of my career”.

Prince Harry and Meghan called him a “stellar support for us for nearly 10 years”.

His departure follows the exit last week of Meredith Maines, their chief communications officer, who became the 11th publicist known to have left their employment in the last five years.

Holt has been at the head of Archewell since 2021, and previously worked as the Sussexes’ PR during their transition from the UK to the US.

He featured in their Netflix documentary and was photographed with them during charity visits on behalf of Archewell.

Announcing his departure, Holt said: “From my first project with Prince Harry eight years ago to improve mental health support for soldiers in the British military, to our recent work helping injured children in Gaza, he has consistently challenged me to think bigger about how we can make a difference.

“From the moment I met Meghan, I recognised a kindred spirit – someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.”

Holt joined the Royal Foundation in 2017, working for the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, before moving with the Sussexes.

He previously worked for the Liberal Democrats and Sir Nick Clegg, and his salary at Archewell was US$245,000 ($422,000), according to its most recent financial documents.

“Above everything else, the work we’ve done together to support families affected by online harm will remain the most meaningful of my professional life,” Holt added. “These families are extraordinary, and they inspire me every day.

“After five incredible years in Los Angeles, it’s time for my family to return to London. When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I’ll do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead.

“I’ll miss my colleagues deeply, and I’m grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they’ve done – for me, and for the countless people we’ve worked to support.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement: “James has been a stellar support for us for nearly 10 years.

“His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary. As James moves 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.”

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

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