Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are dealing with renewed scrutiny after their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down, marking the most recent PR exit since their transfer to the US.
Her departure follows that of one other senior aide and the tip of their partnership with a PR agency.
Regardless of leaving royal duties years in the past, Harry and Meghan’s public appearances nonetheless draw criticism and are intently watched by the Palace, with latest occasions reportedly elevating considerations.
Article continues beneath commercial
Contemporary PR Departure Provides To Ongoing Shake-Up Round Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
Harry and Meghan are as soon as once more underneath scrutiny over doable instability inside their communications workforce, following the departure of one other senior PR determine, the most recent in a protracted line of exits because the couple relocated to the US.
Meredith Maines, who served because the Sussexes’ chief communications officer, has confirmed she can be stepping away from her position after roughly a yr.
Her exit comes amid wider modifications, together with the latest choice by US PR agency Methodology Communications to finish its partnership with the couple after simply seven months.
Article continues beneath commercial
Maines’ departure follows intently on the heels of Emily Robinson, who left her place as director of communications only some months into the job. Sources had beforehand prompt that Maines’ position turned tougher after Robinson’s exit, rising strain throughout the communications workforce.
Over the summer time, Maines additionally discovered herself on the middle of media consideration after being photographed assembly Tobyn Andreae, communications secretary to King Charles, at a personal members’ membership in Mayfair. The assembly was broadly interpreted as a discreet try to ease tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Household.
Article continues beneath commercial
Sussexes Affirm PR Shake-Up As Chief Communications Officer Steps Down
In an announcement asserting her departure, Maines expressed appreciation for her time working with the Duke and Duchess.
“After a yr of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I can be pursuing a brand new alternative in 2026,” she mentioned, per the Each day Mail.
Maines added that she has “the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the workforce, and the nice they’re doing on the planet.”
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan confirmed that each Maines and Methodology Communications have concluded their work with Archewell, thanking them for his or her contributions and wishing them nicely.
Article continues beneath commercial
Prince Harry And Meghan’s Director Of Communications Will Take Cost Of Publicity
Going ahead, Liam Maguire, the couple’s director of communications for the UK and Europe, is anticipated to take the lead on publicity issues.
In line with her skilled profile, Maines joined the Sussex group in March 2025, overseeing all exterior communications.
Her tasks spanned Meghan’s life-style model “As Ever,” launched earlier this yr, in addition to Archewell Productions and Archewell Philanthropies.
She had beforehand mentioned that bringing Methodology Communications on board would assist enhance media entry and responsiveness.
Article continues beneath commercial
PR Turmoil Mounts For The Sussexes Amid Employees Exits And Public Backlash
Robinson’s earlier exit had already raised eyebrows, notably given her background engaged on Netflix’s “The Crown,” a collection typically criticized for its portrayal of the Royal Household.
Her appointment was notable, however her swift departure was an even bigger deal. A pal of Robinson’s prompt the choice was not made calmly, saying she’s “not a quitter, so issues will need to have been fairly horrible for her to go.”
With these newest departures, Harry and Meghan have now parted methods with 11 public relations professionals in 5 years, though two former publicists had been reassigned to non-PR roles.
The previous yr has been notably turbulent from a reputational standpoint. Meghan’s surprising look at Paris Vogue Week in October drew criticism, as did social media footage filmed alongside a route related to Princess Diana’s deadly automotive crash.
Her presence at a high-profile ladies’s management occasion in Washington additionally sparked debate.
Article continues beneath commercial
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Hollywood Strikes Reportedly Nonetheless Beneath Palace Scrutiny
In the meantime, regardless of stepping again from royal duties practically six years in the past, Harry and Meghan’s public actions are mentioned to proceed reverberating throughout the Royal Household.
Now primarily based in Montecito with their youngsters, the couple might stay removed from the UK, however their high-profile appearances are reportedly nonetheless monitored by Palace officers attributable to their potential influence on perceptions of the monarchy.
A supply talking to OK! Journal claimed that even seemingly personal outings in Hollywood don’t go unnoticed, noting that “each public transfer impacts how belief and notion are formed throughout the household.”
In line with the identical supply, eyebrows had been raised after Harry and Meghan attended Kris Jenner’s birthday celebration simply weeks in the past.
Palace insiders are mentioned to imagine “Harry and Meghan know attending high-profile occasions might have penalties for his or her standing within the monarchy, and will need to have weighed up the professionals and cons of attending Kris’ celebration earlier than going.”
After the birthday celebration, the Kardashians plastered images of the royal couple on social media. Nonetheless, these photos vanished after a short time, main many to imagine Harry and Meghan requested for them to be taken down.
