BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., December 29 — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, has resigned from Archewell Philanthropies after less than a year in the role. A source cites recent controversy over a photo with the Kardashian family as the “final straw” leading to her departure.
Who resigned from Harry and Meghan’s team?
Meredith Maines, the Chief Communications Officer for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Philanthropies, resigned before Christmas, as first reported by Page Six. Maines, the couple’s 11th publicist since their departure from royal duties, is staying through the new year to assist with the transition. A source stated she “really enjoyed her time there, but at a certain point it’s time to go.”
What was the ‘final straw’?
An insider identified the “final straw” as the public relations fallout following the couple’s attendance at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party on November 8. After the event, Jenner and Kim Kardashian posted and then deleted photos featuring the Sussexes. Sources indicate the Sussex camp requested the deletions to avoid upsetting the royal family amid reconciliation efforts, which annoyed the Kardashian-Jenner family for “overshadowing” Kris’s celebration.
What happened at the Kardashian party?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the high-profile birthday celebration held at the Beverly Hills mansion of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. They mingled with guests including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Bill Gates, and Tyler Perry. The subsequent deletion of their photos from social media ignited widespread media speculation and criticism, with one source calling their appearance “so tacky” and at odds with Prince William’s vision for the monarchy.
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What was Meredith Maines’s role?
Hired in January, Maines led communications for the couple’s charitable foundation and personal brand during a busy year. A source close to her noted she “launched Meghan’s podcast and TV show … and looked after the Prince’s charity work,” calling her “unflappable.” Her departure leaves Archewell Philanthropies with just two remaining employees, according to reports.
How have the Sussexes responded?
Page Six reported that representatives for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Maines’s resignation. The couple has not publicly addressed the staff change or the ongoing speculation regarding the Kardashian party photos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many publicists have Harry and Meghan had?
A: Including Meredith Maines, the couple has cycled through 11 publicists since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.
Q: Why were the Kardashian party photos deleted?
A: Sources state the Sussexes’ representatives asked for the photos to be removed to avoid antagonizing the British royal family while attempting a reconciliation.
Q: What is the current state of Archewell Philanthropies?
A: Following Maines’s departure, reports indicate the charity is now staffed by just two remaining employees.
