Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s key staff member quits in latest blow to pair

The Mirror’s most important employee for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quits in the most recent blow to the pair.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a reputation for having aides who quit on them, which is not good for them in the USA.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys ‘rock’, James Holt, right, has quit working with them(Image: NETFLIX)

What you need to know about the aides who have left their positions with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    After decades of service, their most dependable advisor has stopped working with them, severely hurting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The royal couple has dealt with a lot of staff, but eleven publicists have also left their jobs.

  • James Holt, who had been hailed as Prince Harry and Meghan’s “rock,” quit over the 2025 Christmas season. He had previously served as the couple’s executive director of the couple’s charity, the Archewell Foundation, during their contentious exit from the UK, during Harry’s autobiography, Spare, and before that.
  • Holt assisted the couple in managing their lives as they turned their backs on the UK and moved to California, where he moved with them to continue working. He was their PR from 2019 until 2021. He also addressed their working relationship in their Netflix documentary. However, he is said to have left their organization and left to move back to the UK with his wife and child and start a new life. However, he will have a transition period during which he will continue to support the couple and their charity.
  • He stated in a statement that he had spotted a kindred spirit that would never waver in the face of difficulty and who would never waver in spite of circumstance when they met Meghan. The work we’ve done together to help victims of online harm will continue to be my most meaningful professional endeavor above everything else. These families inspire me every day and are extraordinary. My family and I are now moving back to London after five incredible years in Los Angeles. I’ll be a huge fan and optimistic about what lies ahead when I take the team-leader position at Archewell Philanthropies in the upcoming months.
  • Holt is not the only person to stop working for Harry and Meghan. After just ten months, Meredith Maines, the pair’s chief communications officer, was made known earlier this week.
  • After just three months of working with the couple, Emily Robinson, Harry and Meghan’s director of communications and former PR executive, quit earlier this year. She made her decision, a source told the Daily Mail in October. She left a few weeks ago. Because she doesn’t give up, things must have been pretty bad for her.
  • The Sussexes have a reputation for having high staff turnover since moving to the US, with Josh Kettler, Harry’s former chief of staff, only spending three months there. In a Vanity Fair magazine cover story earlier this year, a report in the Hollywood Reporter claimed Meghan “belittles people” and “doesn’t take advice.”
  • Josh previously addressed the couple’s claims that they were difficult to work for, saying: “They are dedicated and hardworking. It was fascinating to witness. And he continued, adding that both them and their Archewell team “warmly welcomed” him.
  • Ashley Hansen was hired by the Sussexes as their global press secretary in May 2022, but she resigned in October 2024. The PR announced at the time that she was leaving the duo to launch her own business, Three Gate Strategies.
  • Kyle Boulia left the couple’s press office in April 2024 and became their press secretary and director of communications in June 2025. After he left, he updated his LinkedIn profile to read, “Most recently, I served as Director of Communications at Archewell, where I oversaw global press operations, crisis response, and global launches with Netflix, Spotify, and major philanthropic initiatives,” shaping narratives that reached hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
  • From April 2024 to July 2025, Charlie Gipson served as the couple’s European Communications Director. He stated on his LinkedIn profile that he had “led the UK and European media strategy, delivered high-impact communications for their global charitable initiatives,” that he had also “provided senior counsel on strategic planning and crisis management, supported international engagements, and led campaigns that reached billions worldwide.”
  • Toya Holness served the couple’s press for nine months, starting in October 2020 until July 2021, before moving on to become the pair’s head of communications. She was praised by royal fans for dressing similarly to Meghan. However, she left Activision Blizzard after 11 months and began working there.
  • In May of this year, Prince Harry appointed Josh Kettler as his chief of staff, and he was responsible for shepherding the Prince “through his next phase” while adapting to life outside of the UK. He took part in meetings involving Harry’s Invictus Games project and provided tours abroad, but he abruptly left after just three months.
  • Christine Schirmer is another well-known senior communications advisor who has collaborated with the couple. She started her position at Archewell in October 2020, moving up to senior advisor in 2021, and leaving in 2023.
  • Miranda Barbot started out as a communications manager for Archewell and rose to the position of director of global communications in October 2022. She served the couple’s charity until October 2024. However, according to reports, she switched from being the couple’s chief of staff to working there.
  • Deesha Tank served as the Sussexes’ main PR agent until June of this year, but she resigned. After quitting her position with the royals in June, she started out as a communications manager for the couple in 2022 and later rose to the position of director of communications in 2024.
  • READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s “rock” quits a sizable job as a result of a fresh blow.
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Trump says US would back strikes against Iran’s missile programme

BREAKING,

Donald Trump, president of the United States, suggested that if Iran rebuilt its nuclear arsenal or missile arsenal, Washington might consider using force against it.

Trump did not rule out a follow-up attack after the three Iranian nuclear facilities were damaged by air strikes in June during a speech in Florida on Monday.

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Trump told reporters, “I’ve heard that Iran is trying to grow up again, and if they do, we have to knock them down.” We’ll knock them out,” the message is. We’ll kill them in the end. However, I’m hopeful that won’t occur.

Trump threatened to attack Netanyahu as he welcomed him to his Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump cited the strikes against Iran in June and the wars in Gaza and Lebanon as examples of how the US and Israel have been “extremely victorious” against their adversaries.

When Trump was asked whether Israel’s missile program against Tehran would be supported by the US, Trump responded, “If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear, then fast. One will say yes, and the other will say absolutely. The other is “We’ll do it right away.”

A further round of Iranian strikes would likely cause internal strife in the US, including from Trump’s own backers’ supporters.

Trump has argued in recent weeks that Iran’s nuclear program has been “obliterated” by the June strikes.

Israeli officials and their US allies have been raising concerns about Iran’s missiles since Trump delivered the address.

In response to the unprovoked Israeli attack that claimed the lives of several nuclear scientists, hundreds of civilians, and the country’s top generals, Tehran launched hundreds of missiles into Israel in June.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, traveled to Israel this month and reiterated her warning about the dangers of Iran’s long-range missiles, saying that it is “producing them in very high numbers.”

He cited Israel’s air defense system as saying, “We cannot allow Iran to produce ballistic missiles because they could overwhelm the Iron Dome.” It poses a significant threat, the author claimed.

Iran’s missile program, which is at the heart of its defense strategy, has been decided not to negotiate.

Trumps said Iran and the US should “make a deal” on Monday.

Trump remarked, “That’s much smarter if they want to make a deal.” They could have made a deal the last time, before we had a significant attack on them, and they made the decision not to do so,” she said. They would prefer to have that deal.

Following the release of a National Security Strategy that recommends shifting foreign policy focus to the Western Hemisphere and avoiding the region, the Trump administration has the possibility of starting a Middle Eastern war.

Iran launched an a&nbsp missile attack on a US base in Qatar in June to counteract US strikes, which did not cause any American casualties. Shortly after the Iranian response, Trump declared a ceasefire to put an end to the conflict.

However, opponents warn that a further round of Iranian hostility could lead to a longer-lasting conflict.

The Iranian response would be “much harsher” if the country were to be attacked again, according to Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the US think tank for diplomacy.

Tinubu Sympathises With Anthony Joshua Over Accident, Mourns Victims

Following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and injured the boxer, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his sincere sympathies to former world champion Anthony Joshua.

President Tinubu described the tragedy as casting a dark cloud over this season in a statement posted on his official X handle.

Tinubu expressed his sympathy for you and your family as they bear the weight of this tragic incident.

You have always shown unwavering love for our country, as a sportsman, and courage. These characteristics have given you a sense of pride in the country.

We must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny in times like this.

Read more about Anthony Joshua’s injuries in an ogun car crash and the deaths of two others.

In this trying time, he prayed for strength, wisdom, and grace for Joshua, asking God to speed up his recovery and restore the souls of the deceased.

Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident on Monday in the Ogun State Makun region, according to Channels Television.

Two people were killed in an incident that occurred around 11 a.m. along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Joshua’s SUV allegedly collided with a stationary truck.

The 35-year-old former heavyweight champion was reportedly hurt when she was rescued from the wrecked car on a video of the incident.

The incident occurred just eight days after Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, defeated the former heavyweight world champion in a Netflix-backed fight in Miami.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed overspeeding and wrongful overtaking as the cause of the collision in an official statement.

Preliminary findings from the FRSC show that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected of going over the permitted speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver and collided with a truck that was loaded by the side of the road.

Overuse of speed and wrongful overtaking are the primary causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways, according to FRSC, which continue to be one of the leading causes of fatal crashes.

Appollis’ Penalty Sends South Africa Past Zimbabwe Into AFCON Last 16

South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations game 3-2 over Zimbabwe on Monday, earning qualification for the knockout stages thanks to Oswin Appollis’ late penalty.

Bafana Bafana must announce their opponent for the round of 16 on Wednesday. Ivory Coast, the defending champion, or Cameroon, the five-time champion, are likely to win.

Egypt, which rested stars like Mohamed Salah and has already secured first place, won Group B with seven points in Agadir’s 0-0 draw against Angola.

Zimbabwe had one point each, while South Africa had six and Angola had two. One of the top four third-placed teams, Angelo, might be able to reach the knockout stages.

South African Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was among the small but obnoxious crowds at Marrakech that saw Bafana Bafana gain traction early on.

Appollis’ low sixth-minute shot, which Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi, was intercepted just before the line, and he grasped the ball.

South Africa was ahead in the conflict of neighboring countries a minute later when Tshepang Moremi, a rising star, was on hand.

Moremi received the ball playing across the pitch just outside the box. A deflection off Divine Lunga led to the release of a goal-bound shot that lobbed over 40-year-old Arubi into the net.

On December 29, 2025, during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa, South Africa’s #19 Tawanda Maswanhise (C) celebrates scoring the team’s first goal with #14 Daniel Msendami and Zimbabwe’s #12 Bill Antonio (L). (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)

Zimbabwe fell short of its goals, but Motherwell’s Scottish Premiership side Tawanda Maswanhise scored the winning goal in the 19th minute to give them adeserved victory.

Read more about Late Penalty Miss’s Deny Uganda’s AFCON victory over Tanzania

 Frustrations 

On December 29, 2025, South Africa’s players celebrate at Marrakech Stadium’s celebrations following the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)

Maswanhise dribbled past two opponents to score the ball into the far corner, which the South African national’s captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had already received.

South Africa was blasted by the equalizer. They were fortunate not to fall behind as the match drew near the half-hour mark, which was a bronze medallist at the 2024 AFCON.

Unmarked Munashe Garananga should have headed the ball head-over from close range after a Zimbabwe free kick was floated into the goalmouth.

Just before half-time, South Africa’s frustrations with being unable to dominate erupted. Sipho Mbule, who had already been warned, got into a fight with the Moroccan referee, putting himself at risk of receiving a second yellow and a red.

On December 29, 2025, South Africa’s forward #9, #9 Lyle Foster, celebrates scoring the team’s second goal at the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football game between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Marrakesh Stadium in Marrakech. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)

South Africa aggressively began the second period, as was the case in the first half. Lyle Foster, a Burnley striker, gave them a 50-minute lead back.

The veteran goalkeeper outsprinted the veteran goalkeeper as the player raced after receiving a headed back pass from Arubi, who was slow to reacting.

After scoring against Angola, the 25-year-old scored the winner of the tournament. The only South African player in the major European league right now is him.

Maswanhise was a constant threat throughout the second half, and he almost equaled scoring again. A shot from the box’s edge was bent to the post by him.

After soaking up some pressure for a while, Aubrey Modiba scored an own goal on 73 minutes.

Maswanhise found himself parried by Williams after receiving a superb long pass from substitute Tawanda Chirewa. Modiba was struck by the rebound and rolled into the net.

Appollis then scored from a penalty in the 82nd minute to give Bafana a third consecutive lead, which they successfully kept.

Nicola Peltz takes brutal three-word swipe at Beckham family after Peaty wedding

Nicola Peltz shared a telling selfie from Los Angeles just days after husband Brooklyn Beckham didn’t attend Holly Ramsay’s wedding to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty

Nicola Peltz appears to have taken another swipe at the Beckham clan, mere days after her husband, Brooklyn Beckham, gave Holly Ramsay’s wedding the swerve. The American heiress, 30, turned heads on Sunday with a polished selfie from Los Angeles, accompanied by the caption: “Love being home”.

The message was interpreted by many as deliberately pointed, given the couple’s decision not to join the Beckhams during the festive season. Instead of jetting off to the UK for Holly Ramsay’s nuptials, Nicola and Brooklyn, 26, remained in California.

It fuelled fresh gossip about the bubbling tension between Brooklyn and his celebrity parents, Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham. The timing of her social media post caught plenty of attention, as did Brooklyn’s public backing in the comments section, where he gushed: “Damn she sexy xx.”

READ MORE: Helen Flanagan shares sad update about eldest daughter after sweary row with ex ScottREAD MORE: Holly Hagan reveals heartbreaking Christmas gift from sister two months after death

The wannabe chef has recently unfriended his family on Instagram as the family row continues to simmer, reports the Express. Nicola struck a pose in a black vest top and shades, whilst Brooklyn, who celebrated Christmas with his billionaire in-laws, seemed eager to demonstrate where his loyalties lie online.

Holly, 25, exchanged vows with Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty, 31, in an extravagant ceremony. David and Victoria were spotted alongside Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham.

However, Brooklyn was conspicuously absent as the sole missing member of the close-knit family. It remains unclear whether Brooklyn received an invitation and turned it down, or if his name was left off the guest list entirely.

But insiders have hinted that it’s unlikely Holly would have left him out. This is especially the case given the Ramsays’ reputed “open door” policy towards their relationship with Brooklyn.

Other sources echoed this view, stating that the family maintains an “always welcome” stance towards the eldest Beckham lad, despite his ongoing feud with his parents. The Beckhams and the Ramsays have been tight-knit since the early 2000s.

Their children have grown up together after both families moved to the US. Brooklyn was once especially close to Gordon and Tana Ramsay’s eldest son, Jack.

However, that friendship has reportedly waned over time. The Daily Mail previously reported that Brooklyn’s bond with Jack, who’s now serving in the Marines, has “fizzled out”, with pals speculating that their relationship started to unravel when Brooklyn began dating Nicola.

This has been labelled as a “huge shame”, considering how tight the pair used to be. There was also no sight of Jack at Brooklyn and Nicola’s vow renewal ceremony earlier this summer.

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Over the festive period, Brooklyn offered glimpses into his life in the States, sharing a picture of one of his rescue dogs donning a green Grinch-themed hat and videos of himself playing tennis with American pro Reilly Opelka and Nicola’s brother Bradley.

He also shared a romantic snap of himself and Nicola holding hands on Christmas Eve, captioning it: “My Everything.” The message seemed to be a response to his decision to cut off his family, and was perceived by some as a “thinly veiled barb” aimed at the Beckhams.

Nicola Peltz takes brutal three-word swipe at Beckham family after Peaty wedding

Just days after Holly Ramsay’s wedding to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty was canceled, Nicola Peltz shared a heartfelt selfie from Los Angeles.

Just a few days after her husband, Brooklyn Beckham, abruptly altered Holly Ramsay’s wedding, Nicola Peltz’s behavior appears to have sparked yet another attack on the Beckham clan. The 30-year-old American heiress displayed a polished selfie from Los Angeles that read, “Love being home.

Given the couple’s decision to avoid the Beckhams during the holiday season, the message was deliberately pointed out to many. Nicola and Brooklyn, 26, stayed in California instead of traveling to the UK to attend Holly Ramsay’s wedding.

It sparked new rumors about Brooklyn’s bubbling feud with his famous parents, Lady Victoria and Sir David Beckham. Brooklyn’s public support in the comments section, where he gushed, “Damn she sexy xx,” also caught plenty of attention.

READ MORE: Helen Flanagan shares sad update about eldest daughter after sweary row with ex ScottREAD MORE: Holly Hagan reveals heartbreaking Christmas gift from sister two months after death

The wannabe chef has recently unfriended his family on Instagram as the family row continues to simmer, reports the Express. Nicola struck a pose in a black vest top and shades, whilst Brooklyn, who celebrated Christmas with his billionaire in-laws, seemed eager to demonstrate where his loyalties lie online.

Holly, 25, exchanged vows with Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty, 31, in an extravagant ceremony. David and Victoria were spotted alongside Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham.

Brooklyn was glaringly absent from the close-knit family, making it clear that she was the only one who was still missing. Brooklyn’s identity was reportedly removed from the guest list, but it’s not clear whether he was given an invitation and then declined.

However, insiders suggest that Holly is unlikely to have opted-out. Given the Ramsays’ alleged “open door” attitude toward their relationship with Brooklyn, this is especially true.

Despite his ongoing feud with his parents, other sources confirmed this and claimed that the family still takes an “always welcome” stance toward the eldest Beckham lad. Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Beckhams and Ramsays have been close-knit.

After both families relocated to the US, their children have grown up together. Jack, the eldest son of Gordon and Tana Ramsay, was once particularly close to Brooke.

However, it’s said that the relationship has gotten stale over time. Brooklyn and Jack, who is currently a Marine, have “fizzled out,” according to The Daily Mail, with friends speculating that Brooklyn and Nicola’s relationship “started to unravel” when Brooklyn began dating each other.

Given how tense the pair once were, this has been labeled a “huge shame.” Jack was not seen at Nicola’s and Brooklyn’s ceremony for renewing their vows earlier this summer.

Continue reading the article.

Over the festive period, Brooklyn offered glimpses into his life in the States, sharing a picture of one of his rescue dogs donning a green Grinch-themed hat and videos of himself playing tennis with American pro Reilly Opelka and Nicola’s brother Bradley.

On Christmas Eve, he also shared a romantic photo of himself and Nicola holding hands, “My Everything.” Some people thought the message was a “thinly veiled barb” directed at the Beckhams, and it appeared to be a response to his decision to cut off his family.