The Archewell Foundation, the non-profit arm of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's broader Archewell enterprise, is undergoing a significant "period of transition," effectively ceasing to exist as an independent charity. Now operating as Archewell Philanthropies under a "fiscal sponsor model," the organization aims to reduce administrative costs, leading to a drastic reduction in staff and a pivot towards "impact over operations." This restructuring comes amidst a backdrop of considerable financial challenges and a high-profile exodus of key personnel, painting a picture of an organization struggling to find its footing and a couple facing persistent scrutiny over their post-royal ventures.

The most striking aspect of Archewell's upheaval is the departure of numerous senior staff members, contributing to what some insiders have termed the "Sussex Survivors Club" due to the high turnover rate of approximately two key staff members every 12 months over the past five years. The most notable exit is James Holt, who served as co-executive director of the charity since 2021 and previously as the couple's PR chief since 2019. Holt, a loyal lieutenant who moved to California with the couple and featured prominently in their Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan," where he discussed alleged Palace conspiracies and Brexit-fueled racism, is returning to the UK. While official statements from both sides were warm, with Holt expressing gratitude and the Sussexes confirming his continued role as a "senior philanthropic advisor" for overseas humanitarian trips, sources offered conflicting reasons for his departure, including visa issues or the couple's alleged "disenchantment" with his work.

Beyond Holt, the list of recent departures is extensive. Meredith Maines, who served as Chief Communications Officer from March 2025 to January 2026, left after a turbulent year marked by a rumored "peace summit" with King Charles's team and media controversies, including a gaffe involving Meghan's Paris trip. Sources indicated an "unsuccessful" tenure and a possible effort to protect her image amid escalating issues. Emily Robinson, Director of Communications, had an even shorter three-month stint from June to October 2025, with a friend stating "things must have been pretty horrible for her to go." Ashley Hansen, Global Press Secretary from May 2022 to October 2024, departed to launch her own firm but continues to advise the couple part-time, having previously defended them against "Duchess Difficult" claims and noting the "presidential-level constant" media scrutiny they face.

Other significant exits include Kyle Boulia (Press Secretary/Director of Communications, April 2024 - June 2025), Charlie Gipson (European Communications Director, April 2024 - June 2025), and Deesha Tank (Director of Communications, June 2022 - June 2025), all part of a "mass exodus" or "cull" in mid-2025. These departures followed Prince Harry's controversial BBC interview and legal battles, which reportedly caused displeasure within Palace circles. Toya Holness, Head of Communications from July 2021 to May 2022, reportedly "wanted out" after finding herself burdened with numerous responsibilities, and was involved in orchestrating media-friendly conditions for the couple's Netflix filming. Josh Kettler, Harry's Chief of Staff, abruptly quit after just three months in mid-2024, with sources suggesting it was a mutual agreement that he was not the right fit. Christine Schirmer, a Senior Communications Advisor, quietly departed in late 2023, a year marked by Harry's autobiography "Spare," the "near catastrophic" car chase incident, and the termination of their Spotify deal.

Financially, Archewell has faced significant hurdles. Its latest annual accounts reveal soaring expenses of $5.1 million (£3.8 million) compared to just $1.25 million (£925,000) in grants distributed, resulting in the charity being $2.5 million (£1.8 million) "in the red" and a reduction in its reserves to $8.5 million (£6.3 million). The foundation's initial fundraising success in 2021, with a $13 million (£9.6 million) donation, proved unsustainable, with subsequent years seeing donations fluctuate significantly, failing to maintain the initial high level. A substantial portion of spending, over $1 million (£741,000), was allocated to "programmatic strategic support" for external agencies, including a PR firm, raising questions about administrative efficiency. Despite high-profile "quasi-royal tours" to countries like Nigeria and Colombia, only modest sums ($10,000 to sub-Saharan Africa, $8,310 to South America) were granted to local organizations. The largest donations went to Screen Sanity ($150,000) and ParentsTogether Foundation ($25,000) for combating "online harms."

These challenges have fueled ongoing scrutiny of Prince Harry and Meghan's public image and the viability of their "royals-in-all-but-name" model. Critics argue their brand has become a "sanctimonious bubble," citing perceived hypocrisies such as Meghan promoting her commercial brand while criticizing social media, and their advocacy for kindness amidst family estrangements. The constant publicist turnover underscores the immense pressure and "impossible, miserable" nature of working for the couple, according to former staff.

Moving forward, Archewell Philanthropies intends to continue its work in mental health, responsible technology, and community wellbeing, but with a renewed focus on "impact" rather than extensive "operations," suggesting "more speeches, less spending." Operating under a fiscal sponsor, the organization will become a "charitable minnow," relying on external oversight and significantly reduced internal staffing. This strategic pivot reflects a response to the financial and operational difficulties, but it also prompts further questions about the long-term sustainability and ultimate direction of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's philanthropic endeavors.