Harry and Meghan have lost a key aide(Image: BACKGRID)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry blow as key aide steps down after less than a year

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's chief communications officer has stepped down after less than a year in the role

by · The Mirror

A key aide to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has stepped down after less than a year.

The couple's chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, is no longer in the role after 10 months, US outlet People reported. The Mirror previously reported in October that the Sussexes had lost 10 aides since quitting their royal roles and moving to California over five years ago.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed the latest change, telling the outlet: "Meredith Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess are grateful for their contributions and wish them well."

Ms Maines also released a statement, saying: "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."

Meredith Maines is no longer chief communications officer for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex( Image: Linkedin)

She worked alongside Method Communications, the external firm supporting the couple's communications, and primarily handled the duchess' public relations. Meanwhile, Liam Maguire, the Sussexes' UK and Europe communications director, who remains in the role, has focused mainly on Prince Harry’s communications.

At the time of her appointment, Ms Maines said she was "honored to partner" with the couple and excited to help tell their story “as entrepreneurs, builders and philanthropists while overseeing all communications for the couple and their ventures".

Other communications staff have also left in recent years. Emily Robinson, who was hired in June as Harry and Meghan's director of communications, stepped down three months later. A year ago, the Sussexes' global press secretary, Ashley Hansen, left after two years to launch her own consultancy. Earlier that summer, UK-based staffer Charlie Gipson and California-based staffer Kyle Boulia also departed.