Exit of Prince Harry and Meghan’s 11th Publicist Raises Questions

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle are facing increased scrutiny following the resignation of their communications director, Meredith Maines, marking the latest public relations exit since their move to the United States.

His departure follows that of another senior employee and the end of their partnership with a public relations company.

Although they left royal duties years ago, Harry and Meghan’s public appearances still draw criticism and are closely monitored by the palace, with recent events raising concerns.

Harry and Meghan are under scrutiny again over possible instability within their communications team, following the departure of another senior PR executive, the latest in a long string of departures since the couple moved to the United States.

Meredith Maines, who was the Sussexes’ director of communications, confirmed she would be leaving her position after about a year.

His departure comes amid wider changes, including the recent decision by US public relations firm Method Communications to end its partnership with the couple after just seven months.

Maines’ departure closely follows that of Emily Robinson, who left her position as communications director just months after taking the job. Sources had previously suggested that Maines’ role had become more difficult following Robinson’s departure, increasing pressure within the communications team.

Over the summer, Maines also found herself the center of media attention after she was photographed meeting Tobyn Andreae, communications secretary to King Charles, at a private club in Mayfair. The meeting was widely interpreted as a quiet attempt to ease tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.

In a statement announcing her departure, Maines expressed gratitude for the time she spent working with the Duke and Duchess.

“After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026,” she said. Daily Mail.

Maines added that she has “the greatest gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and for the good they are doing in the world.”

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan confirmed that Maines and Method Communications had concluded their work with Archewell, thanking them for their contributions and wishing them well.

Going forward, Liam Maguire, the couple’s communications director for the UK and Europe, is expected to take the lead on publicity matters.

According to his professional profile, Maines joined the Sussex organization in March 2025, overseeing all external communications.

Her responsibilities spanned Meghan’s lifestyle brand ‘As Ever’, launched earlier this year, as well as Archewell Productions and Archewell Philanthropies.

She previously said the integration of Method Communications would help improve media access and responsiveness.

Robinson’s previous departure had already raised eyebrows, particularly given his experience on Netflix’s “The Crown,” a series often criticized for its portrayal of the royal family.

His appointment was remarkable, but his rapid departure was a more serious matter. A friend of Robinson’s suggested the decision was not taken lightly, saying she “wasn’t a quitter, so things must have been pretty horrible for her to leave”.

With these latest departures, Harry and Meghan have now parted ways with 11 PR professionals in five years, although two former publicists have been reassigned to non-PR roles.

The past year has been particularly eventful from a reputation standpoint. Meghan’s unexpected appearance at Paris Fashion Week in October sparked criticism, as did social media footage filmed along a route associated with Princess Diana’s fatal car crash.

Her presence at a high-profile event on women’s leadership in Washington also sparked debate.