Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s communication team is once again facing scrutiny following recent staff departures, prompting a PR expert to suggest that the turnover may indicate underlying structural challenges rather than simply poor hiring decisions.
Meredith Maines, who was appointed in late 2024 to oversee press and media operations for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has announced her resignation after just one year in the role. This marks the departure of the eleventh PR officer in five years to leave their positions with the couple.
PR specialist Mayah Riaz highlighted that frequent turnover in senior communication roles often points to deeper issues within an organization rather than individual failures in recruitment. Riaz emphasized the intense pressure faced by individuals working in environments like Harry and Meghan’s, where every action is scrutinized globally and emotionally charged.
Regarding Maines’ departure, opinions vary among sources. While some described her tenure as disastrous and speculated about the reasons for her exit, others stated that she left after accomplishing her goals, including launching projects and facilitating key meetings.
Riaz noted that the relentless scrutiny in high-profile environments can create unsustainable conditions for communication professionals, especially when there is a struggle between maintaining control over narratives and upholding credibility. This can lead to reactive firefighting rather than strategic planning, resulting in quick burnout among team members.
The expert also pointed out public incidents, such as Meghan’s recent appearance at a Kris Jenner-hosted event, which sparked discussions about the couple’s brand image and strategic positioning.
Riaz emphasized the importance of trust and consistency in leadership for maintaining stable communication teams, highlighting the need for alignment between leadership and communication strategies.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have denied reports of dysfunction within their team, acknowledging departures as part of normal turnover, a spokesperson confirmed Maines’ departure and expressed gratitude for her contributions.
In her statement, Maines expressed appreciation for her experience working with Prince Harry and Meghan, indicating her plans to pursue a new opportunity in 2026 while commending the couple and their team for their impactful work.