By Katherine Tinsley
3:07pm PST, Jan 8, 2026
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After
Meredith Maines, the couple's 11th publicist, departed the company, Meghan Markle and
Prince Harry appeared to brush off her abrupt exit.
"Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell," a spokesperson for the Sussexes said, per
Daily Express. "The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well."
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For her part, Meredith Maines shared a message of her own regarding her exit.
"After a year of inspiring work with
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026," the communications expert said in a statement. "I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good work they are doing in the world."
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Meredith Maines' absence has fueled speculation that
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may foster a difficult work environment.
"There's more of a mystery surrounding Meredith Maines' resignation. She was brought in as something of a hotshot and has only been with the Sussexes for a year," royal correspondent
Jennie Bond told
The Mirror. "I thought the couple's response to her resignation was decidedly cool and confirmed suspicions that their professional relationship had become rather troubled."
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"Perhaps it's not so surprising that staff come and go at such a rate. I'm not really sure why they need so many staff in the first place," Jennie Bond continued. "Why can't they run their lives and their projects with just one or two helpers?"
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It's unclear what direction
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's careers will go in after a series of staffing changes.
"I really don't know what lies ahead for Harry and Meghan in 2026, but I hope that they will be happy and enjoy the life that they've chosen with their two lovely children in the Californian sunshine," Jennie Bond said.
