Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are parting with another member of their staff. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced in a statement released by their spokesperson that their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, is leaving the role after about 10 months in the job.
The message, released on Boxing Day, read: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”
Ms Maines also released a statement in the midst of her departure. Published by People magazine, the statement read: “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, and the good they are doing in the world.”
Ms Maines was one of the members of the Sussex team spotted holding a meeting in London with an aide of King Charles earlier this year.
The meeting sparked speculation the two royal camps may be working towards a reconciliation, and was held a few months before the Duke of Sussex travelled back to the UK in September and met his father the King.
Ms Maines was announced in late February as the Sussexes’ latest hire, and she officially started her new role in March, saying at the time to be “honoured to partner” with Meghan and Harry.
She worked alongside the outside firm Method Communications, and reportedly largely handled Meghan’s public relations work.
Liam Maguire, the couple’s UK and Europe director of communications, has primarily overseen Prince Harry’s communications. He is retaining his role.
The announcement about Ms Maines marks the latest of a series of departures within the Sussex team.
Ashley Hansen, who worked as the Sussexes’ global press secretary, left her role in October 2024 after two years, to launch her own consultancy.
Los Angeles-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK-based press officer Charlie Gipson left their posts a year into their roles in June.
And in October, after joining the team four months prior, Emily Robinson stepped down from her role as director of communications for the Sussexes.
