James Holt, the Executive Director of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity Archewell Philanthropies, has quit, confirming in a statement that he will be returning with his family to London.
Mr Holt had been running the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell charity since 2021.
Previously, he served as the couple's PR chief from 2019 to 2021, a turbulent period in their lives when Harry and Meghan left the UK and stepped back from working royals.
Mr Holt followed the Sussexes to live in California and featured prominently in the Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's closest adviser quits role as head of Archewell Philanthropies in major blow
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In a statement, Mr Holt told GB News: "Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career.
"From my first project with Prince Harry eight years ago to improve mental health support for soldiers in the British military, to our recent work helping injured children in Gaza, he has consistently challenged me to think bigger about how we can make a difference.
"From the moment I met Meghan, I recognised a kindred spirit - someone who finds joy even in difficult moments and connects authentically with people regardless of circumstance.
"Above everything else, the work we’ve done together to support families affected by online harm will remain the most meaningful of my professional life.
"These families are extraordinary, and they inspire me every day. After five incredible years in Los Angeles, it’s time for my family to return to London.
"When I pass the baton to the team leading Archewell Philanthropies in the coming months, I’ll do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead.
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James Holt attending the couple's wedding in 2018
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"I’ll miss my colleagues deeply, and I’m grateful to Harry and Meghan for everything they’ve done - for me, and for the countless people we’ve worked to support."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: "James has been a stellar support for us for nearly ten years.
"His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.
"As James moves his young family back to the UK, we are proud that he will continue to guide various humanitarian trips for us overseas through Archewell Philanthropies."
Archewell has rebranded to Archewell Philanthropies | ARCHEWELL PHILANTHROPIESThe Sussexes' spokesman added: "James Holt will remain a senior philanthropic advisor for the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas in 2026."
Archewell Philanthropies is a charity founded by Prince Harry and Meghan back in 2020.
Previously called the Archewell Foundation, it rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies earlier this month.
It is expected that Harry, 41, Meghan, 44, and their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, will continue to use the charity to expand upon their global philanthropic endeavours.