The public relations machinery of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has hit another significant snag. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have parted ways with their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, who was hired in February 2025. This marks the 11th publicist to leave their team in the last five years, reigniting serious questions about their media strategy and workplace dynamics.
Another High-Profile Exit: The Maines Departure
According to a report by PEOPLE magazine, Meredith Maines stepped down from her role on December 26. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed the news, stating they were “grateful” for her work and wished her well. Maines was responsible for managing media relations for the Sussexes' public image, their business ventures, and their charitable efforts under the Archewell umbrella.
While no official reason was provided for her exit, sources told Page Six that Maines was “unflappable” and enjoyed her time with the couple but felt it was simply “time to go.” In her official statement, Maines said, “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.”
Commentary Highlights a "Them Problem"
The timing and pattern of these frequent departures have not gone unnoticed. Pop culture commentator and podcaster Zack Peter shared a pointed analysis during his Sunday livestream. He suggested that since leaving the royal family, Harry and Meghan “continue to make themselves appear worse and worse.” Peter argued that the sheer number of staff departures points to a “a them problem.”
Reacting to a viewer's comment that Meghan Markle does not listen to her publicists, Peter agreed. “I think that’s what it is. Meghan thinks she knows better. I think it’s unrealistic expectations, and she doesn’t like to listen,” he said. He further described a scenario of an extremely difficult work environment with constant pressure, drawing a comparison to “Very same Blake Lively energy.”
Peter also touched on the challenge of managing a client with a damaged public image, noting that publicists often get blamed when negative stories break, but expectations need to be more realistic.
Underlying Causes and Broader Rebrand
Speculation surrounds potential triggers for Maines's departure. Page Six reported that the controversy following Kris Jenner's birthday party may have been a factor. The Sussexes attended the event, and photos of Meghan with Kim Kardashian were briefly posted online before being deleted, sparking negative chatter that was seen as harmful to her image.
This publicist exit coincides with a period of transition for the couple's charitable arm. The Archewell Foundation has recently undergone a rebrand and staff changes, indicating a broader strategic shift within their operations. The cumulative effect of these moves paints a picture of an organisation in flux, struggling to stabilise its external communications amidst persistent internal turnover.
The departure of Meredith Maines is more than a single personnel change; it is a symptom of a prolonged public relations challenge for the Sussexes. With each exit, the narrative of instability grows stronger, posing a significant hurdle to their efforts to control their own story and build their brand outside the royal institution.
