The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been dealt a significant blow with the departure of their most trusted advisor. James Holt, who has been described as the couple's 'rock', has resigned from his position as head of their charitable foundation, Archewell.
A Key Figure Exits the Sussex Operation
Holt's exit marks the end of a pivotal six-year association with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He first joined their team in 2019 as their PR chief, navigating the intense media scrutiny during their final months as senior working royals and their subsequent move to the United States.
His role evolved in 2021 when he shifted focus to lead Archewell, the organisation at the heart of the couple's philanthropic and business ventures. Holt was instrumental in guiding the Sussexes through numerous turbulent periods, earning a reputation as a steadfast and reliable figure within their inner circle.
The Timeline of a Trusted Advisor's Role
James Holt's tenure with the couple spanned a period of immense change. He was a constant presence from the time they stepped back from royal duties in 2020, through the launch of their Netflix and Spotify deals, and the ongoing development of their charitable initiatives.
His departure was confirmed on 29 December 2025. While no official reason has been given for his resignation, it represents a major shake-up within the Sussexes' professional infrastructure, coming at a time when their commercial and charitable projects are under significant public and media examination.
What Holt's Departure Means for Archewell's Future
The loss of such a senior figure raises immediate questions about the future direction of Archewell. Holt was not just an employee; he was a close confidant who understood the couple's vision and helped translate it into actionable projects.
This resignation is seen as a fresh blow for Harry and Meghan, who have faced a series of professional challenges in recent years, including the winding down of their Spotify partnership and increased scrutiny of their media output. Finding a successor who commands the same level of trust and possesses the requisite experience will be a critical task for the Sussexes as they seek to stabilise their operations in 2026.
The coming weeks will likely reveal how the Duke and Duchess plan to restructure their team and whether this high-profile exit will impact the pace and scope of Archewell's planned activities.
