The charitable foundation founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been stripped down to just two key personnel following a major wave of cost-cutting layoffs triggered by a severe decline in donations.

The Archewell Foundation is currently grappling with significant financial difficulties, forcing a radical streamlining of its operations to stay afloat. According to Page Six, three of Archewell’s five employees have been let go, representing a 60% reduction in the organization’s workforce.

The remaining staff consists of Executive Director James Holt—a long-time aide who has been with the couple since their time as working royals—and Shauna Nep, Vice President of Philanthropy. A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed the cuts were “unavoidable,” particularly regarding lower-level administrative positions. Representatives for Harry and Meghan stated they value the contributions of their former employees and will not comment further on specific personnel matters.

Sources reveal that Archewell was forced to downsize due to exorbitant operating costs that far outpaced incoming donations. The couple reportedly considered the possibility of shuttering the foundation entirely or seeking a fiscal sponsor to take over the financial burden and reduce expenditures.

Financial disclosures highlight a marked deterioration in Archewell’s fiscal health over recent years. In 2024, the foundation spent approximately $5.1 million while raising only $2.1 million in contributions. This follows a similar trend from the previous year, where Archewell’s expenses also exceeded its income.

Last week, coinciding with its fifth anniversary, Harry and Meghan announced that the Archewell Foundation would be renamed Archewell Philanthropies. In a newly released impact report, the organization insisted that its core mission remains unchanged, focusing on community service and global mental health despite its current challenges.

Executive Director of Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation Steps Down

James Holt, the head of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, is departing the organization after eight years of service.

In a comprehensive statement released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s media team, Holt expressed his “gratitude” to the royal couple for “all they have done.”

“Working alongside Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Holt said. “From the first project I undertook with Prince Harry eight years ago to improve mental health support for British service members, to our recent efforts helping injured children in Gaza, he has consistently inspired me to think bigger about how we can effect change.”

Holt continued: “From the moment I met Meghan, I recognized a kindred spirit—someone who finds joy even in the most difficult circumstances and possesses an innate ability to connect sincerely with people, regardless of their background or situation.”

“Above all, the work we have done together to support families affected by online harm will remain the most meaningful milestone of my career,” he added. “Those families are extraordinary and have inspired me every day. After five memorable years in Los Angeles, it is time for my family to return to London. I hand over the reins to the incoming team at Archewell Philanthropies with deep pride and optimism for the road ahead. I will dearly miss my colleagues and am immensely grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they have done—for me, and for the countless individuals we have supported together.”

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According to the announcement, Holt will remain involved with the Duke and Duchess’s charitable endeavors as the Archewell Foundation officially transitions into Archewell Philanthropies.

Holt’s tenure with the couple began in 2018, when he served as a communications advisor at Kensington Palace. In 2021, he took over the leadership of their newly formed charitable organization, relocating to California to work alongside the Sussexes.

Responding to the departure of their close aide, the Duke and Duchess stated: “James has been a steadfast pillar for us for nearly a decade. His passion and talent for leading philanthropic initiatives are truly commendable. As James moves his young family back to the U.K., he will continue to partner with us, leading our international humanitarian missions through Archewell Philanthropies.”

The news comes just two days after Meredith Maines, the Sussexes’ head of communications, announced her departure after less than a year in the role. Maines stated she would “pursue new opportunities” in 2026 following a year of “inspiring work” with the couple. Her exit marks the 11th time in five years that the Sussexes have parted ways with a high-level communications staffer.

The Harry and Meghan Brand in Turmoil

The departure of the head of the Archewell foundation, coupled with a wave of staff reductions, has left the brand associated with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle facing significant instability.

James Holt, a veteran staffer and the Executive Director of the Archewell charity, has announced his resignation after years with the organization. Holt confirmed the decision in a statement to People, noting that his family will return to London after five years of living in Los Angeles.

“As I transition my responsibilities to the Archewell Philanthropies executive team in the coming months, I feel proud and optimistic about the road ahead,” Holt said, while expressing his gratitude to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Representatives for Harry and Meghan also acknowledged Holt’s contributions, stating that he will continue to serve as a senior advisor on philanthropic activities and support international engagements planned for 2026.

However, according to sources for Page Six, Archewell’s operational structure has effectively evaporated. Vice President Shauna Nep is no longer working full-time, shifting instead to an advisory role. Furthermore, the remaining headcount within the couple’s content production arm is extremely limited and faces further cuts if the program With Love, Meghan is not renewed for a new season by its streaming platform.

One industry insider observed that within just one year, the workforce across the Harry-Meghan ecosystem has plummeted by 80–85%. “The people who remain are mostly working for their past image, not their current standing,” the source remarked.

In reality, Archewell Foundation—now rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies—has reportedly been operating with only two key personnel, Holt and Nep. The Sussexes have reportedly discussed aggressive cost-cutting measures, even considering the possibility of transferring the charitable organization’s assets.

This follows a string of high-profile departures from Archewell, including Genevieve Roth, Christine Schirmer, and Ashley Hansen. Sources indicate that while official announcements often claim these individuals “continue to support in different roles,” most vanish from all activities once they depart.

On the production side, the team currently consists only of Chanel Pysnik—who oversees unscripted programming—and producer Tracy Ryerson. However, the future of this department hinges heavily on whether upcoming projects receive greenlights from major platforms.

Beyond Archewell, the Sussexes’ communications team has also been in a state of constant flux. Most recently, spokesperson Meredith Maines left her position after less than a year. This follows the loss of their Los Angeles-based press assistant and their media representative in the UK.

These rapid-fire changes have led observers to believe that the Harry and Meghan personal brand is entering a period of major trial, as their philanthropy, production, and communications arms all undergo drastic restructuring to maintain their influence.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle down to just 2 charity staffers out of desperation to save cash: ‘All smoke and mirrors’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity is down to just two employees ahead of its much-publicized rebrand — as the couple is desperate to save cash, multiple sources told Page Six.

“Harry and Meghan have been forced to downsize the staff as it was costing them so much,” said one source.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that their Archewell Foundation will become Archewell Philanthropies, claiming that “moving to a ‘philanthropies’ model signals something designed to grow and evolve over time, with more flexibility and less administrative burden.”

But we’re told Harry and Markle have, in fact, spent the past few months in deep discussion about the charity’s future as it has struggled with funding.

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Page Six can confirm that three members — 60 percent of the charity’s staff — have been let go.

Only Executive Director James Holt, who’s been with the couple since they were working royals in Britain, and Vice-President of Philanthropy Shauna Nep will remain with the re-branded charity.

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A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Markle said, “Currently, the same full team remain in place. This move does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles.”

Earlier this year, Page Six reported that the couple had cut ties with six personal employees as they focused on saving cash — and as their security bill is said to be around $2 million a year.