"Blake Lively energy": Zack Peter reacts after Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's publicist quits within a year

Pop culture commentator Zack Peter shared his reaction after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s publicist stepped down within a year.

According to PEOPLE magazine, the Duke and the Duchess hired Meredith Maines in February this year as their chief communications officer. Maines handled communications for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s public profile, commercial ventures, and non-profit organization. The publicist’s departure was reported on December 26.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed Maines's exit to PEOPLE in a statement. As per the spokesperson, the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex were "grateful" for Maines' contribution and wished her well. Media reports also noted that Meredith Maines was the 11th publicist to part ways with the couple in the last five years.

In his Sunday livestream, Zack Peter commented on the development. He said that after leaving the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "continue to make themselves appear worse and worse." The podcaster remarked that more people stopping work for them seemed, in his view, like a "them problem."

He went on to address viewers' thoughts on the issue. When an individual in the chat opined that Meghan did not listen to her publicist, Peter responded:

"I think that's what it is. Meghan thinks she knows better, but she also tries to hire these... No, I think it's unrealistic expectations, and she doesn't like to listen... I can also see Meghan as somebody that is just extremely difficult to work with... and it's constantly like pushing and bulldozing and trying to get you to give them what they want. And in the end, I just don't think it goes well because you can't deliver... Very same Blake Lively energy."

Referring to negative coverage, Zack Peter said that if a publicist couldn't "kill a story," then they may not be very good at their job. However, he added:

"But also, if your client's reputation is so far beyond that, you have to learn how to navigate your client's expectations and maybe try to help your client not be a b*tch you know?"

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More about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's PR publicist's exit

While no reason was cited behind the exit of Meredith Maines, a report from Page Six claimed that Kris Jenner's birthday party controversy contributed to it. For the unversed, the Duke and the Duchess attended the Kardashian matriarch's 70th birthday party last month.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner posted pictures with the couple on their Instagram. However, hours later, the pictures were deleted by the Kardashians. This led to a series of speculations on the internet and dented Meghan Markle's public image.

In its Sunday report, Page Six claimed that a source close to the departing publicist said that the pictures' drama involving the Kardashians was the "final straw" for Maines.

Meredith Maines also released a statement on her departure. She expressed her gratitude to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

"After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world," Maines stated.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's non-profit, Archewell Foundation, recently underwent a rebranding and implemented staff cuts.

Edited by Anuj Singh Kushwaha