Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charitable organisation, Archewell Philanthropies, has experienced another senior departure, adding to a growing list of staff changes within the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s professional team.
Last month, James Holt, the chief executive of Archewell Philanthropies, confirmed that he would be stepping down from his role. Holt had worked closely with the Sussexes and was regarded as a key figure within the organisation’s leadership structure.
His exit follows the departures of several former senior Archewell staff members, including Genevieve Roth, Christine Schirmer and Ashley Hansen, all of whom previously held prominent roles within the couple’s charitable and communications operations.
Ongoing Transitions Behind the Scenes
According to sources familiar with the situation, the latest changes come amid a broader period of transition for the Sussexes as they continue to redefine their public, charitable and media-facing roles.
One source suggested that external sensitivities may also be influencing decision-making behind the scenes. “They don’t want to upset the royal family while efforts are being made to repair relationships,” the source said, referring to the long-reported tensions between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and senior members of the Royal Family.
While the Sussexes have remained largely private about internal staffing matters, observers have noted that the frequency of changes has drawn attention, particularly given Archewell’s relatively small organisational size.
James Holt’s Role at Archewell
James Holt played a central role at Archewell Philanthropies, overseeing the foundation’s charitable initiatives, partnerships and grant-making efforts. During his tenure, the organisation supported causes related to mental health, community resilience, digital safety and gender equality.
In his departure announcement, Holt reportedly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Duke and Duchess, though details surrounding the timing and reasons for his decision were not publicly elaborated.
Neither Prince Harry nor Meghan Markle has commented directly on Holt’s exit or the broader pattern of staff turnover.
Previous Senior Departures
Holt’s departure follows that of Genevieve Roth, who previously served as head of foundation operations, as well as Christine Schirmer and Ashley Hansen, who were involved in communications and strategic roles.
Each of these staff members left at different points, and no official link has been established between their exits. However, royal commentators and industry insiders have suggested the turnover reflects the evolving nature of the Sussexes’ post-royal working model.
Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have built a portfolio that spans charitable work, media production, publishing and public speaking. This multifaceted approach has required a flexible organisational structure, which some experts say can naturally lead to changes in staffing.
Sensitivity Around Royal Relations
The source’s comment about not wanting to “piss off the royal family” comes amid ongoing speculation about potential reconciliation between Prince Harry and his relatives in the UK.
Although there has been no public confirmation of any formal reconciliation process, Prince Harry has previously spoken about his desire to heal family relationships. In interviews, he has acknowledged ongoing strains while also expressing hope for improved communication in the future.
Royal analysts note that any perceived escalation in public controversy could complicate those efforts, particularly given the intense media scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes.
Archewell’s Future Direction
Despite the staffing changes, Archewell Philanthropies continues to operate and remains active in its charitable commitments. The foundation has previously released annual impact reports outlining its funding priorities and partnerships.
Experts familiar with non-profit governance stress that leadership transitions are not uncommon, especially for relatively young organisations navigating high public visibility.
“Staff turnover doesn’t necessarily indicate instability,” one charity governance specialist noted. “In high-profile foundations, roles often evolve quickly as strategies become clearer.”
No Official Statement on Wider Changes
At the time of writing, Archewell has not issued a formal statement addressing the cumulative departures or outlining plans for new appointments. The Sussexes’ representatives have also declined to comment on internal staffing matters.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to balance their philanthropic ambitions with media projects and family considerations, attention is likely to remain on how Archewell adapts and evolves in the coming months.