James Holt, the executive director of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s charitable foundation Archewell, is stepping down from his position to relocate back to Britain with his family.
A source has said that Holt feels frustrated 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 Holt, the executive director of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s charitable foundation Archewell, is stepping down from his position to relocate back to Britain with his family.
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His exit represents the latest in a string of departures from the Sussexes’ team since they relinquished their roles as working royals and moved to California in 2020.
Just last week, Meredith Maines, who served as chief communications officer, became the 11th publicist known to have departed from their employment over the past five years.
The communications team has experienced particularly significant turnover in recent months.
Charlie Gipson, responsible for European communications, departed in July, whilst US-based press secretary Kyle Boulia left in June alongside four other members of staff.
Holt described his time with the couple as “one of the great privileges of my career” and expressed gratitude for his five years in Los Angeles.
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Emily Robinson, the director of communications who had previously been employed at Netflix, exited in October.
Earlier departures include Toya Holness, who left her head of communications role in May 2022, and Ashley Hansen, who served as global press secretary from May 2022 until October 2024.
Holt first began working with Prince Harry eight years ago, initially joining the Royal Foundation in 2017.
In his departure statement, Holt reflected on his career highlights: “From my first project with Prince Harry eight years ago to improve mental health support for soldiers in the British military, to our recent work helping injured children in Gaza, he has consistently challenged me to think bigger about how we can make a difference.”
He described his work supporting families affected by online harm as the most significant of his professional life.
“These families are extraordinary, and they inspire me every day,” Holt stated.
Of Meghan, he said: “From the moment I met Meghan, I recognised a kindred spirit someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.”
Holt described his time with the couple as “one of the great privileges of my career” and expressed gratitude for his five years in Los Angeles.
The Duke and Duchess responded warmly to his departure.
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“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,” he said.
The Duke and Duchess responded warmly to his departure, stating: “James has been a stellar support for us for nearly 10 years. His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.”
Although leaving his executive role, Holt will continue as an adviser and assist with the couple’s overseas humanitarian missions planned for 2026, according to a spokesman.
The foundation has recently undergone rebranding, changing its name to Archewell Philanthropies as part of efforts to simplify its administrative structure.