The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are confronting a deepening public relations crisis following the departure of their eleventh communications specialist in just five years. The latest exit raises serious questions about the stability of their media operations and their reputation as employers.
The Revolving Door Spins Again
The most recent departure is chief communications officer Meredith Maines, who announced she would step down after less than a year in the role. In a brief statement, Ms Maines said she would be "pursuing a new opportunity" in 2026. Her exit is particularly striking as it marks the fifth key publicity staff member to leave the Sussexes' employment in the second half of 2025 alone.
Compounding their difficulties, the US-based PR firm Method Communications also confirmed it would end its contract with the couple after a mere seven months. The firm was hired to provide international media support and faster response times.
Responsibility for all publicity work now falls to Liam Maguire, their UK and Europe director of communications. His appointment follows a period of extraordinary turnover, with nearly a dozen employees having quit the PR team since 2020, although two now work for the couple in non-PR capacities.
Where Are the Former Advisers Now?
The career paths of former Sussex staffers reveal a telling pattern. While some have launched their own firms or moved to communications roles elsewhere, two have completely erased any mention of working for Harry and Meghan from their professional profiles. One former staffer has transitioned into a senior role at a large insurance company.
A Timeline of Recent Departures
Meredith Maines (Chief Communications Officer): Appointed in March 2025, she oversaw external communications for Archewell Productions, the Archewell Philanthropy charity, and Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand. She was at the centre of media speculation in July after being photographed meeting with King Charles's communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, in what was described as a secret "peace summit."
Emily Robinson (Director of Communications): Hired in June 2025, she left by October. With a background in TV publicity for Netflix's The Crown, her hiring was considered controversial. Her LinkedIn profile makes no mention of her three-month stint with the Sussexes; she is now senior vice president at streaming service Paramount+.
Ashley Hansen (Global Press Secretary): Served from May 2022 to October 2024 before launching her own agency. She now works as a managing partner at Forward Global in Los Angeles.
Kyle Boulia (Press Secretary/Director of Communications): Worked from April 2024 to June 2025, departing amid a "broader communications reshuffle." He has since joined Forward Global as a Principal, working alongside Ashley Hansen.
Charlie Gipson (European Communications Director): Employed from April 2024 to July 2025, he is now a senior communications consultant at CG Strategies.
Long-Term Turnover and Non-PR Shifts
The pattern extends further back. Toya Holness, once described as "Meghan's shadow," served from October 2020 to May 2022 before moving into corporate communications, including a role at AI company Anthropic.
Josh Kettler, appointed as Harry's chief of staff in May 2024, quit abruptly after just three months. He now serves as president of an insurance firm and does not list his Sussex role on his LinkedIn.
Other notable departures include Christine Schirmer (Senior Communications Advisor, now at Brunswick Group) and Deesha Tank (Communications Director, now at Rare Beauty's Rare Impact Fund).
Some former PR staff remain with the organisation in different capacities. Miranda Barbot, who joined in October 2021, moved from director of global communications to a non-PR role and is now the couple's chief of staff. James Holt, head of engagement and communications, has stayed for nearly five years and now serves as executive director of Archewell.
The continual churn of high-profile communications experts will fuel further speculation about the working environment within the Sussex household and presents a significant challenge as they seek to control their narrative and advance their commercial and philanthropic ventures.
