Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Oct. 9, 2025; James Holt in Sept. 2019 during the Sussexes’ visit to South Africa.Credit : John Nacion/WireImage; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are sharing an update about changes behind the scenes of their philanthropic work, confirming that their longtime advisor, James Holt, is stepping down from his role at Archewell.

On Monday, Jan. 29, Holt — the executive director of Archewell — announced the news in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“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,” Holt said. “From the moment I met Meghan, I recognized 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,” he continued.

“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,” he said. “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.”

James Holt speaks onstage at the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit on Oct. 10, 2023 in N.Y.C.Bryan Bedder/Getty

In a statement of their own, Meghan and Harry praised Holt’s contributions, calling him “a stellar support” 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.”

A spokesperson for the couple added: “James Holt will remain a senior philanthropic advisor for the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas in 2026.”

The update follows PEOPLE’s confirmation on Dec. 26 that the couple’s chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, stepped down after roughly 10 months in the role. Maines, who was appointed in late February and began in March, oversaw communications across the Sussexes’ nonprofit work, business ventures and broader public profile.

PEOPLE understands that Maines will remain on through the new year to assist with the transition. The Sussexes’ U.K. and Europe director of communications, Liam Maguire, continues in his role, primarily overseeing Prince Harry’s communications.

Prince Harry and James Holt at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands in 2022.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

The staffing updates come days after Meghan and Harry announced that they are renaming their charitable organization from Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies, a change they said reflects their expanding global efforts and long-term philanthropic goals for their family, which includes their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Feb. 9, 2025 in Vancouver.Karwai Tang/WireImage

Three additional staffers were reportedly let go amid the shift.

“The move toward a fiscal sponsor operating model does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles,” a spokesperson for the couple said on Dec. 22. “We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honored to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others.”