Another employee bites the dust! Damn!
Just days ago, news broke that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had to downsize their charity organization staff to only two, Executive Director James Holt and VP of Philanthropy Shauna Nep, after realizing “it was costing them so much” to keep everyone. They also rebranded the company from Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies — all in an effort to reduce administrative burden and allow it to grow. However, insiders say that “it’s all smoke and mirrors” amid what appears to be financial struggles for Meg and Harry. And all that came after the pair reportedly cut ties with several personal employees to save cash, too. Not to mention they reportedly lost a bunch of staffers due to her being an allegedly terrible boss…
Related: Meghan Markle ‘In Utter Shock’ As She Disagrees With Harry Over Major Parenting Decision
Now, it looks like another staffer has left them! People confirmed on Friday that Meghan and Harry’s chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down from the role after about 10 months! This is reportedly their eleventh PR pro in just five years. Whoa!
If you don’t know, she was appointed as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s chief communications officer back in February. A source familiar with their communications approach told the outlet that people raised their eyebrows around her hiring, as her experience differed from the efforts normally associated with their work. Meredith previously worked at Google, led communications at Hulu, served as a talent manager for American Idol, and was once with Lightspeed Venture Partners. The insider said:
“There were a few eyebrows raised when Method and Meredith were retained, given their heavy background in tech, consumer PR and venture capital.”
She started the job in March, overseeing communications across their nonprofit work, business ventures, and broader public profile. You may find her name familiar because she was photographed with King Charles’ director of communications, Tobyn Andreae, at a Mayfair private members club in London, with Liam Maguire, the Sussexes’ UK and Europe director of communications. They reportedly were having peace talks before Harry’s brief reunion with Charles in September.
Meredith is no longer helping the royal family mend the fences now, though! She’s gone! A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry confirmed the news, saying:
“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.”
She also released a statement, expressing:
“After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world.”
It is unknown why exactly Meredith left at this time. But as we mentioned, it comes amid a complete overhaul of Meghan and Harry’s team due to alleged financial strain. Did her departure come down to money, too? Was she also unhappy with her bosses, like previous employees reportedly were? Or did she only leave due to the upcoming new opportunity? Hmm. According to People, it’s believed an agency is lined up to replace Method Communications. Meghan and Harry likely aren’t recruiting another chief communications officer, though. Maguire will take on an expanded role as lead communications director instead.
Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
