Meghan Markle and Prince Harry issue statement as another staff member leaves role | Royal | News

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are leaving with another member of their squad. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in a statement released by their spokesperson that their communications chief, Meredith Maines, is stepping down after nearly 10 months on the job.

The message, published on Boxing Day, said: “Meredith Maines and Method Communications have completed their work with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contribution and wish them well.”

Ms. Maines also released a statement at the time of her departure. Posted by People magazine’s statement included the following statements: “After an inspiring year of work with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Archewell, I will pursue a new opportunity in 2026.

“I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple, the team, and the good they do in the world.”

Ms Maines was one of the members of the Sussex team and was seen meeting with an aide to King Charles in London earlier this year.

The meeting sparked speculation that the two royals may be working towards a reconciliation and came just months before the Duke of Sussex is due to return to England in September and meet his father, the King.

Ms Maines’s latest Sussex hire was announced in late February and she officially started her new role in March, saying at the time that she was “honoured to partner” with Meghan and Harry.

He was working with outside firm Method Communications, which reportedly handled much of Meghan’s public relations work.

The couple’s UK and Europe communications director, Liam Maguire, primarily oversaw Prince Harry’s communications. He continues his role.

The announcement about Ms Maines marks the latest in a series of departures within the Sussex team.

Ashley Hansen, who served as the Sussex family’s global press secretary, left her position after two years in October 2024 to set up her own consultancy.

Los Angeles-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK-based press officer Charlie Gipson left their one-year positions in June to continue their duties.

And in October, Emily Robinson left her role as Sussex’s director of communications, after joining the team four months earlier.