Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced a setback with the departure of their 11th publicist within five years, following the exit of their chief communications officer. Meredith Maines, who served the couple for less than a year, will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026 after a year of significant work with Harry and Meghan. Additionally, the couple has also ended their partnership with US-based PR agency Method Communications, which was enlisted in June to promote their business and charitable initiatives.
Maines, who took on the role of chief communications officer in March 2025, managed all external communications for the Sussexes, including overseeing Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Philanthropies. Reports suggest that Maines’ departure may be linked to a mishandled situation involving deleted photos of the couple from a party hosted by the Kardashians.
While some sources indicate that Maines’ exit was due to challenges in her role, others portray it as a positive departure following successful achievements, such as facilitating a meeting between Harry and his father in September. Despite the conflicting views on Maines’ departure, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan confirmed her exit, expressing gratitude for her contributions.
In a statement, Maines mentioned her appreciation for the opportunity to work with Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as her excitement for the new venture in 2026. The couple’s spokesperson conveyed well wishes to Maines and Method Communications for their future endeavors.