As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s longest-serving staffers prepare to retire, their entire brand is under threat, multiple sources tell Page Six.
“They have effectively closed Archewell,” a source told Us when news broke on Monday that James Holt would be stepping down as head of their charity Archewell.
“After five incredible years in Los Angeles, the time has come for my family to return to London,” the businessman told People in a statement.
“When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I will do so with great pride and optimism for what lies ahead,” Holt added.
“I will miss my colleagues very much. I am grateful to Prince Harry and Meghan for everything they have done for me, and to the countless others we have worked so hard to support.”
Prince Harry, 41, and Markle, 44, also praised Holt’s “amazing support” after nearly a decade in the role, telling the magazine: “His passion and talent in overseeing our charity work has been extraordinary.”
A representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex added that Mr Holt “will continue to serve as senior philanthropic advisor to the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their overseas humanitarian trip in 2026.”
Now, Page Six can reveal that Holt’s longtime counterpart, Archewell Vice President Shauna Knepp, is not even a full-time employee, but works on a “consultant” basis.
In addition, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s production business retains several employees and could lose even more if Ms. Markle’s show, “With Love, Meghan,” does not return for another season.
“Those who are still there are just obsessed with the couple they were, not the couple they are now,” claimed one industry source familiar with the Sussexes. “Since a year ago, we have reduced our workforce by at least 80 to 85 percent.”
As Page Six previously revealed, the Archewell Foundation, which recently rebranded itself to Archewell Philanthropies, consisted solely of Holt and Nep.
The Sussexes have spent the past few months in talks to cut costs for their charity work and have also discussed selling their foundation.
Holt’s departure follows those of former Archewell senior staff members Genevieve Ross, Christine Schirmer and Ashley Hansen.
Another source said: “Every time someone leaves, Harry and Meghan say they will stay on in some capacity,” adding, “But we never hear from them again.”
“Shawna hadn’t been a full-time employee in a while, which is crazy. They lost the foundation in a matter of weeks,” the source added.
On the production side, Sussex still has Chanel Pisnik in charge of the unscripted film, along with producer Tracy Ryerson.
However, the source added: “What will happen to the staff if Meghan’s Netflix show doesn’t air next season?”
Representatives for Prince Harry and Markle did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Last week, they lost their publicist, Meredith Maines, after less than a year at the company.
A source told Page Six that Maines “did what he had to do” for the couple, helping launch Meghan’s podcast and TV show.
This summer, Prince Harry and Markle also lost Los Angeles deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and British press secretary Charlie Gipps.
Two more employees also left the team at this time.
