Prince Harry And Meghan's Brand Seemingly In Trouble As Longest-Serving Aide Quits

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under scrutiny as James Holt, head of Archewell Philanthropies, steps down after five years, leaving the charity with only a handful of staff.

Causing more concern is a report that the Vice President, Shauna Nep, now works part-time, and the Sussexes' production and communications teams have also been significantly reduced in size.

Amid staff upheaval, Meghan Markle shared a rare Christmas family photo with Prince Harry, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet, alongside a holiday message and a video highlighting their charitable work.

Harry and Meghan are facing fresh questions about the stability of their brand as another key member of their inner circle is set to exit.

James Holt, the couple's longest-serving aide and head of Archewell Philanthropies, is reportedly stepping down from his role. Holt confirmed his departure in a statement, explaining that after five years in Los Angeles, he and his family are returning to London.

"When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I'll do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead," he stated. "I'll miss my colleagues deeply, and I'm grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they've done — for me, and for the countless people we've worked to support."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also praised Holt's decade-long association with them, describing his leadership and commitment to their philanthropic work as "extraordinary."

A spokesperson added that Holt "will remain a senior philanthropic advisor for the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas in 2026."

Behind the scenes, however, sources suggest Archewell has been dramatically scaled back.

Holt's longtime colleague, vice president Shauna Nep, is reportedly no longer a full-time employee and now works on a consulting basis.

According to Page Six, insiders claim the charity has been reduced to only a handful of staff, following months of cost-cutting discussions and even talks about selling the foundation.

Industry sources estimate that the Sussexes' overall staff has shrunk by as much as 80 percent over the past year, with several senior Archewell figures departing in recent months.

Critics argue that remaining team members "is simply an enabler, enamored with what the couple once was, not who they are today."

Their production arm is also said to be lean, with only a small number of executives still in place. Sources warn that further departures could follow if Meghan's Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," is not renewed.

The shake-up comes shortly after the couple lost publicist Meredith Maines, who had been with them for less than a year and helped launch Meghan's podcast and television projects.

Additional press and communications staff in both the US and UK have also exited over the past year.

According to insiders, Maines ultimately stepped away following what insiders describe as a damaging misstep tied to Kris Jenner's 70th birthday celebration last month.

Harry and Meghan attended the November 8 bash, but when Kim Kardashian later posted photos of the couple enjoying the event, the images were swiftly deleted.

According to reports, the Sussexes had not approved the photos being shared. Insiders allege the Kardashian-related fallout became the "final straw" for Maines, who was serving as the couple's publicist at the time.

Maines' exit marked yet another turnover, making her the 11th communications professional to leave the Sussexes' team in just five years.

One source told Page Six that those close to the royal family viewed Harry and Meghan's appearance at the high-profile Hollywood party as "so tacky."

The insider added that the moment "shows that Harry is so far removed from the rest of the family."

They added: "These people may be stars in America, but the pure ostentatiousness is at odds with what Prince William is trying to do with his life and the monarchy."

Amid the staff turnover, Meghan offered a softer public moment over the holidays, sharing a rare family photo with Harry and their two children.

The image shows Prince Archie hugging his father while Meghan holds hands with Princess Lilibet on a wooden bridge surrounded by woodland.

On a wooden bridge surrounded by woodland, Prince Archie is seen hugging his father while Meghan bends down to hold hands with Princess Lilibet. "Happy Holidays! From our family to yours," she wrote in the caption.

The couple also released a festive card and end-of-year video spotlighting their charitable work, featuring Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, baking cookies with their parents for a local Thanksgiving charity.