In the final days of 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced a significant setback with the departure of two key members from their team at Sussex. Chief communications officer Meredith Maines and James Holt, who headed their organization Archewell, both revealed their resignations within a short timeframe, leaving Harry and Meghan without a PR team as they entered 2026.
Holt had been overseeing the couple’s public relations efforts from 2019 to 2021 before shifting his focus to work more closely with them on their charitable initiatives after they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. On the other hand, Maines decided to leave her position after only ten months with Harry and Meghan, making her the eleventh publicist to part ways with the Sussexes in the past five years.
As the New Year commences and the Sussexes’ projects gain momentum, Meghan Markle has reengaged the celebrity public relations firm she used during her acting career following the departure of her most recent publicist. According to reports from The Telegraph, Meghan has rehired Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis (SSML) to promote her As Ever brand and other endeavors.
An insider disclosed that SSML has collaborated with the Duke and Duchess on various projects since 2017, currently focusing on the As Ever campaign and other initiatives in the United States. The New York-based firm specializes in crisis communications for celebrities and has a long-standing relationship with Meghan, representing her during her acting stint on the TV show Suits.
Furthermore, Meghan’s publicist Keleigh Thomas Morgan, now a partner at SSML, played a crucial role in translating Meghan and Harry’s vision into reality when they launched Archewell. The firm’s client roster boasts notable names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Lopez, among others.
In a similar move, Prince William has recruited a crisis management specialist, Liza Ravenscroft, to oversee his and Kate’s public relations affairs. Ravenscroft, known for her expertise in handling challenging situations, is set to provide support to the royal couple in a non-crisis capacity. She comes highly recommended by Julian Payne, a former communications secretary to Charles and Queen Camilla, who now serves as the CEO of Edelman.
The strategic hiring of Ravenscroft underscores the desire for closer alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, especially as discussions around William’s future succession gain prominence. This move signifies a deliberate effort to strengthen the royal household’s public image and communication strategies.
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