A fresh wave of staff departures from the organization of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is fueling renewed scrutiny of the couple's California operation, as senior aides step back amid reported internal strain and uneven commercial results.
In December, Meredith Maines, a U.S.-based publicist hired to help steer the Sussex brand, exited after less than a year in the role. Shortly afterward, James Holt, executive director of Archewell Foundation, transitioned to what has been described as an advisory capacity.
The departures are the latest in a pattern. Since 2020, nearly 25 aides have cycled through the Sussexes' employment, according to multiple reports. The turnover has prompted questions about leadership stability inside the couple's Montecito-based operation, which oversees media production, philanthropic initiatives and brand partnerships.
The staffing shifts come as Meghan's Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, has struggled to gain sustained traction. Industry observers note that the second season failed to match expectations, adding pressure to a media strategy already facing recalibration. The couple's deal with Netflix has reportedly shifted in scope, with insiders describing it as a "First Look" arrangement rather than an expansive content pipeline.
While neither Meghan nor Harry has publicly addressed the internal speculation, reports from unnamed sources suggest rising tensions behind the scenes. Some accounts describe Meghan as being in "full meltdown mode," a characterization that has circulated widely in British tabloid coverage but remains unverified by on-the-record statements.
At the same time, Prince Harry has been linked to growing discussions about potential engagement with the U.K., particularly as King Charles III is said to be softening his stance on certain security matters. The suggestion that Harry could reestablish a limited presence in Britain has added another layer of complexity to the couple's California strategy.
Critics argue that sustained turnover at senior levels signals deeper operational challenges. Supporters counter that transitions are common in fast-evolving start-up environments, particularly in hybrid media-philanthropy ventures.
Financial details of Archewell's current staffing structure have not been publicly disclosed, but the foundation's most recent filings show fluctuating revenues and grants since its inception. The Sussexes' public messaging continues to emphasize impact-driven initiatives and storytelling centered on social causes.
