Meghan Markle’s 11th publicist leaves in five years: Communications Chief Meredith Maines steps down

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public relations arm has taken another hit, with Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines leaving her post just a year after being appointed, The Sun has reported. Her exit marks the 11th publicist departure in five years, continuing a pattern of high turnover that has come to define Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s communications strategy since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

Maines, who was hired in January 2025, confirmed her departure just after Christmas, saying she would “pursue a new opportunity in 2026” and expressing “utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team,” according to The Sun.

The Sussexes also parted ways with the US-based Method Communications, their external PR firm, after just seven months of collaboration. A spokesperson for Archewell, the couple’s foundation, stated:


“Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”

According to The Sun, a new agency has already been lined up to handle their US press operations, though the couple are not expected to recruit another CCO, opting instead to rely on Liam Maguire, their communications director for the UK and Europe.

Who is Meredith Maines?

Before joining the Sussexes, Maines held key communications roles at major companies including Google, Hulu, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. She began her career in talent management and is known for her experience in the tech and entertainment sectors. Her brief but high-profile tenure with the Sussexes followed a string of internal changes within their Archewell communications team.

Maines’ departure adds to a list of aides who have exited swiftly, including Ashley Hansen, the couple’s former global press secretary who left in 2024, and Emily Robinson, director of communications who resigned in October 2025 after just four months.

Growing scrutiny and allegations

The Sussexes’ repeated staff turnover has reignited speculation about workplace culture, echoing long-standing allegations that Meghan and Harry are difficult to work for. Several former palace aides had previously claimed that Meghan’s behavior left staff in tears, creating what insiders called the “Sussex Survivors Club.”

Buckingham Palace launched an internal investigation into the bullying claims, though the findings were never publicly released. Meghan has consistently denied the allegations, labelling them a “calculated smear campaign.”

A source also told The Hollywood Reporter that some staff found Meghan terrifying, describing her “like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.”