James Holt, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s longtime advisor who oversaw the Archewell charity, has reportedly stepped down from his position. The news has come at a difficult time for the Archewell charity. Allegedly, the organisation has reduced its staff to a single employee.
Source says ‘everyone’s getting sacked’ from Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s charity
James Holt started working as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Communications Chief in 2019, when they stepped down as working royals. When Harry and Meghan moved to California, Holt relocated with the couple. He began running the Archewell charity in 2021.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Holt wanted to return to London with his family, and remaining in his role as the charity’s head would have created “governance issues.” Per another Daily Mail report, a source said, “This is wild. Meghan and Harry are closing their Archewell charity, and everyone is getting sacked!”
Despite the claims, the charity is not shutting down and will continue operating under the name Archewell Philanthropies. The organisation has also laid off two junior administrative employees, along with Kristen Slevin, the director of programs and operations. Holt’s absence from an “Archewell team” photo at a food bank in November sparked speculation about his exit.
In a statement to the Mail, he wrote, “Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career.” He also praised Meghan, writing, “From the moment I met Meghan, I recognized a kindred spirit – someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also released an official statement. It stated, “James has been a stellar support for us for nearly ten years. His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.” It also revealed that Holt will lead several “humanitarian trips” for them next year. He had also notably appeared alongside them in the Netflix documentary, “Harry & Meghan.”
