Tension builds behind the scenes at Archewell
James Holt, executive director of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell charity, is returning to the UK with his family and he believes the timing is not ideal.
A source told Email that Holt is “frustrated that his move comes during a significant period of transition for the Duke and Duchess,” adding that he plans to stay for a few more months to keep things running smoothly at Archewell.
“He is very protective of the couple and fears this will cause them grief,” the source said.
Holt’s departure is the latest shake-up in a long line of departures from the Sussex team since the couple stepped back from royal duties and moved to California in 2020.
The communications department, in particular, has seen a revolving door of talent. Just last week, Meredith Maines, the foundation’s communications manager, became the 11th publicist to leave in the past five years.
Other notable departures in recent months include Charlie Gipson, who oversaw European communications and left in July, and US-based press secretary Kyle Boulia, who left the group in June alongside four other staff members.
Emily Robinson, Netflix’s former communications director, left the company in October, while previous departures include Toya Holness, who left her role as communications manager in May 2022, and Ashley Hansen, global press secretary from May 2022 to October 2024.
Holt, who began working with Prince Harry eight years ago at the Royal Foundation in 2017, has long been a stabilizing presence for the Sussexes.
