Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Publicist Steps Down
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again navigating a shift in their communications strategy as chief publicist Meredith Maines announced her departure after just one year in the role. It’s the 11th time the couple has changed publicists in the last five years, raising questions about sustaining a consistent media presence.
Maines, who began with the couple in January, worked alongside the US-based PR firm Method Communications. The Sussexes have ended their relationship with the firm after seven months, according to a statement released today.
“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,” Maines said. “I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good work they are doing in the world.”
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed the change, stating, “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”
A Pattern of Turnover?
Sources close to the situation praise Maines’ work ethic. “Anyone who has worked with Meredith knows she’s best in class — she’s no nonsense, highly strategic and has done it all,” one insider told reporters on December 26. “They’ve accomplished a ton over the past year and it’s time for what’s next.”
The couple initially brought on Method Communications in May to support their growing portfolio of business and philanthropic endeavors. At the time, a spokesperson explained that Method, an agency specializing in tech and consumer brands, would work alongside Director of Communications Emily Robinson to bolster the team.
Maines’ exit follows that of Robinson, who left her position in October after only a few months. A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex stated that Robinson “did an excellent job” overseeing work for the With Love, Meghan project.
In June, reports surfaced that four additional team members had departed from the Sussexes’ organization.
Allegations of a difficult work environment have followed Meghan Markle for years. The Times of London reported in 2021 that she allegedly bullied staff at Kensington Palace, while NewsNation claimed in August 2024 that the couple had lost 18 employees since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and launching the Archewell Foundation.
However, these claims have been disputed by former colleagues. Ben Browning, former head of content who secured the couple’s Netflix documentary deal before his 2023 exit, described his experience as “positive and supportive” in a September 2024 interview. He added, “We all continue to be friends. The narratives we’ve seen suggesting the contrary are untrue.”
