James Holt has stepped down as executive director of Prince Harry and Meghan's charity Archewell Philanthropies after nearly a decade of service to the couple. Holt announced Monday he is returning to London with his family after five years in Los Angeles.
The departure marks the second high-profile staff exit this week for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Chief communications officer Meredith Maines, who served less than a year, announced her departure just days earlier.
Holt will continue working with the couple as a senior philanthropic advisor, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas planned for 2026. He will pass executive responsibilities to the Archewell team in the coming months.
A Decade of Service
Holt's relationship with Prince Harry spans eight years, beginning with a project to improve mental health support for soldiers in the British military. He served as the couple's PR chief from 2019 to 2021 during the turbulent period when they stepped back from royal duties.
In his statement to GB News, Holt said: «Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career.» He highlighted recent work helping injured children in Gaza and supporting families affected by online harm.
«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 said.
Most Meaningful Work
Holt emphasized the impact of supporting families harmed online. «Above everything else, the work we've done together to support families affected by online harm will remain the most meaningful of my professional life,» he said to GB News. «These families are extraordinary, and they inspire me every day.»
After five years in California, Holt explained: «It's time for my family to return to London.» He expressed optimism about Archewell's future: «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.»
Couple's Response
Prince Harry and Meghan praised Holt's contributions in a statement. «James has been a stellar support for us for nearly ten years,» they said. «His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.»
The couple expressed pride that Holt will continue guiding their humanitarian trips through Archewell Philanthropies despite his family's move back to the UK.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
