The Duke and Duchess of Sussex face new challenge ahead after latest shakeup
The California-based couple, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have been rocked by a fresh scandal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lost their longest-serving employee James Holt, who had joined them before their exit from the royal family in the latest staffing shakeup.
Holt announced he’s leaving his position as the executive director of the couple’s embattled Archewell Foundation, which was recently rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies.
The expert had originally joined the Duke on projects to improve mental health support for British soldiers before his marriage to the former Suits star. His decision is being regarded as a blow to the Sussexes, with many taking it as failure of the Sussexes to maintain their relationship with the high-profile aide.
In his statement on Monday, December 29, Holt said: “After five incredible years in Los Angeles, it’s time for my family to return to London.”
Holt relocated to the US with the Sussexes, who launched the Archewell Foundation in April 2020, a month after their final appearance as working royals.
“When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I’ll do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead,” he continued.
“I’ll miss my colleagues deeply, and I’m grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they’ve done – for me, and for the countless people we’ve worked to support.”
The announcement comes days after the couple rebranded the Archewell Foundation into Archewell Philanthropies.
In a statement of their own, Harry and Markle thanked Holt for his “stellar support,” while clearing the air about his future role with the charity, saying he will still have a partial hand in an upcoming venture.
“His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary. As James moves his young family back to the UK, we are proud that he will continue to guide various humanitarian trips for us overseas through Archewell Philanthropies,” the duo shared.
There are also reports that Holt was upset about the timing of his departure, which coincides with a period of significant change for the royal couple.
“He’s frustrated that his moving back to the UK is coming at a time of transition for the Duke and Duchess, hence his staying on for a few months yet to manage things at Archewell,” the source told the Mail.
The insider added: “He’s very protective of the couple and anxious this is going to cause them grief.”
James first began working with Harry in 2017 in a series of military mental health initiatives. A year later, the prince married Markle in a lavish royal wedding.