Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s longest-serving aide, James Holt, is stepping down from his role at Archewell, marking the end of a significant chapter in the couple’s philanthropic journey. Holt’s departure comes just weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the rebrand of the Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies.
Holt, who originally worked with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace, has been a key figure behind the scenes for nearly a decade. He relocated to Los Angeles with Harry and Meghan in 2020 after they stepped back from their roles as working members of the royal family and launched their independent nonprofit efforts in the U.S.
In a statement released Monday, Holt reflected warmly on his time working with the couple. “Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career,” he said. He traced his journey from an early project with Harry focused on improving mental health support for British soldiers to more recent humanitarian efforts, including work aiding injured children in Gaza.
Holt also spoke about his bond with Meghan, saying that when he first met her, he recognized “a kindred spirit,” someone who “finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.” He noted that supporting families affected by online harm was the most meaningful work of his professional life, calling the families they served “extraordinary” and deeply inspiring.
After five years in Los Angeles, Holt said the decision to step down was driven by family. “It’s time for my family to return to London,” he explained, adding that he would pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies “with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead.”
In their own statement, Harry and Meghan praised Holt as a “stellar support for us for nearly ten years,” highlighting his enthusiasm and talent in overseeing their philanthropic endeavors. A spokesperson clarified that Holt will remain a senior philanthropic advisor and continue to guide humanitarian trips overseas through Archewell Philanthropies in 2026.
Harry and Meghan launched Archewell in April 2020 after relocating to Los Angeles. The recent rebrand, they explained, reflects their desire to expand their global philanthropic work as a family, with Archewell Philanthropies serving as the home for those efforts going forward.
