Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 11th publicist in 5 years quits less than a year into role: ‘Time to go’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have lost another publicist.

Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines is stepping away after just under a year working for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

A source close Maines exclusively told Page Six, “She’s unflappable, and does not complain… she really enjoyed her time there, but at a certain point it’s time to go.”

“Coming from the VC and tech industries, she’s used to so many things going on at all times,” the insider continued.

“Others may have thought it was not a traditional background, but I think it worked well. The amount she was able to do in almost a year was amazing — she launched Meghan’s podcast and TV show… and looked after the Prince’s charity work.”

The source shared Maines “did what she needed to do.”

“The word on the street she’s got bunch of stuff lined up for the new year. And she’s very exited.”

Maines told Page Six in a statement, “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.”

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan also confirmed the move in a statement to Page Six.

“Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell,” a spokesperson told us. “The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well.”

Maines was in the role for around 10 months.

The loss of the publicist is said to be the 11th time in five years.

The Sun, who was the first to break the news, also reported Prince Harry and Markle have cut ties with Method Communications PR consultants after seven months.

The outlet noted that an agency “is believed” to have been chosen in place of Method Communications to handle the couple’s needs in the United States.

The Sun reported that Maines will not be replaced as CCO — UK and Europe director of communications Liam Maguire will instead step in as lead.

“There were a few eyebrows raised when Method and Meredith were retained given their heavy experience background in tech and venture capitalism, especially given the work of the couple,” a source told the outlet.

Page Six confirmed in June that four staffers left the couple’s team, including Kyle Boulia, their former Los Angeles-based deputy press secretary, former UK press officer Charlie Gipson, and two members of their private team.

The duo announced in December that their Archewell Foundation has been rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies.

Earlier this week, Page Six also confirmed that 60% of the Archewell Philanthropies staff, which amounts to three people, had been let go.

A spokesperson for the couple said the changes were “inevitable” and attributed them to “redundancies” in the organization.

“Currently, the same full team remains in place,” the spokesperson said. “This move does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles.”

“We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honoured to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others,” the statement continued.

A Page Six insider told us that the couple was “forced to downsize the staff” because it was “costing them so much” and that the organization has struggled with funding.

“The big question was, would Archewell close, or would another charity take it over?” the insider told us.

“Harry and Meghan were looking to get a fiscal sponsor, someone to take on the outgoing costs and to keep things cheap. Really, it’s all smoke and mirrors.”

Prince Harry, 41, and the “Suits” alum, 44, famously quit their duties as working members of the British royal family in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, Calif., where they’re raising kids Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

Shortly after the move, they launched Archewell, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

In addition to heading up the charitable organization, the mom of two has launched her “As Ever” lifestyle brand and hosted two seasons of “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix.