'Milk Lasts Longer Than Their Employees': Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's Comms Team Allegedly Axed

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be scaling back their operations in a major way, reportedly cutting ties with their communications team amidst rising costs and changing priorities. The decision comes just months after they restructured their PR approach and made a string of high-profile appointments across both the US and UK.

Though the couple haven't confirmed the full extent of the changes, speculation is rife that the Sussexes may also be parting ways with Method Communications, a branding agency brought in to help reframe their image across global markets—from glitzy media launches to diplomatic tours abroad.

What We Know About The Communications Shake-Up

According to Page Six, Prince Harry and Meghan have just cut ties with their communications team. This follows a broader trend, as the couple have reportedly parted ways with at least six communications staff in the past month—including two in‑house representatives. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, nearly 25 team members have come and gone.

These departures may reflect an effort to cut back amid mounting financial responsibilities. Their Netflix deal is estimated to be worth around $20 million (£14.65 million), while their Montecito estate carries steep upkeep and taxes—plus their annual security costs are said to run over $2 million (£1.46 million). With such expenses piling up, the Sussexes seem intent on streamlining operations.

To that end, their new chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, is reportedly overseeing a shift toward outsourcing PR duties across five time zones rather than maintaining a large in-house team.

Previous High-Profile PR Appointments

Despite the recent cuts, the Sussexes had spent the past year bolstering their communications infrastructure. In early 2024, they hired PR professionals in both the US and UK to help manage growing media demands. Kyle Boulia was brought in as Deputy Press Secretary to handle American outreach, while Charlie Gipson assumed the role of Director of Communications for Europe. Both reported to Global Press Secretary Ashley Hansen.

Then, in February 2025, the couple announced that Meredith Maines—formerly of Hulu and Google—would serve as their first Chief Communications Officer. They also appointed strategic adviser Shahed Fakhari Larson, suggesting a pivot toward a hybrid PR model that blends in-house oversight with agency support.

These appointments were closely timed with major product launches, including Meghan's lifestyle brand 'With Love, Meghan' and the expansion of the As Ever umbrella.

A Look At Their Media and Branding Portfolio

Since cutting ties with the royal family, the couple have carefully crafted a new public image through strategic media deals and entertainment projects. Their multi-year Netflix deal reportedly worth up to $100 million saw the release of the docuseries Harry & Meghan, as well as upcoming projects including a professional polo documentary and a cooking show based on Meghan's lifestyle interests.

Meanwhile, their Spotify venture under Archewell Audio launched with Archetypes, a podcast hosted by Meghan. Though it only ran for one season, it was widely popular. The couple eventually parted ways with the platform in mid-2023. More recently, Meghan signed a deal with Lemonada Media to produce new podcast content, showing her continued commitment to the audio space.

On the publishing front, Harry's 2023 memoir Spare broke records with over 1.4 million copies sold on launch day in the UK, becoming the fastest-selling non-fiction title ever. Meghan, too, is reportedly working on her own memoir, fuelling anticipation of more revelations.

Could Cutting Staff Hurt Their Brand?

While streamlining their communications team may help the Sussexes manage costs in the short term, industry experts caution it could come at a price. A smaller, outsourced PR model may lack the nuance and consistency required to manage high-stakes public image campaigns—especially as Meghan eyes a lifestyle guru persona and further brand expansions.

Given their existing commitments and ever-watchful global audience, every public move will be under scrutiny. How Harry and Meghan choose to handle communications—particularly in times of crisis or controversy—will prove vital to the longevity and profitability of their media empire.

As the couple continue to redefine their public identity outside of royal tradition, only time will tell if a leaner, outsourced comms approach can match the ambitions of their multi-pronged global brand.