A glamorous night at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party revealed cracks in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s public image, highlighting struggles in their media ventures and persistent staff turnover. With $100 million invested in their Netflix partnership, the couple faces declining viewership and a revolving door of communications experts that signals deeper operational difficulties.
The Jenner party incident underscored ongoing brand-management challenges, prompting royal commentator Hilary Fordwich to tell Fox News that it “reflected poorly on the couple’s brand management, reinforcing perceptions of communication challenges.” Here’s what’s happening in the Sussexes’ high-profile world.
Birthday Party Spotlight Sparks Controversy
Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday on November 8, 2025, at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Los Angeles residence brought together celebrities, including Martha Stewart and Mariah Carey. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended to solidify their Hollywood presence, mingling amid the lavish celebration.
Tension arose when Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner shared photos of the couple on Instagram, only for the posts to be deleted hours later. Sources cited by People and Elle stated that the Sussexes requested removal, although the reasons were unclear. The episode exposed lapses in routine celebrity protocol, drawing criticism from royal commentators. Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that the incident reflected poorly on the couple’s brand management, emphasizing ongoing communication difficulties that could impact their public image.
Communications Chief Exits Abruptly
Shortly after the Jenner party, Meredith Maines, the Sussexes’ chief communications officer, announced her exit on December 26, 2025. Maines, hired in March 2025 through Method Communications, brought experience from Google, Hulu, and American Idol publicity.
In her statement to People, she said, “After a year of inspiring work with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archewell, I will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026.” Maines expressed “utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world.”
Her departure marked the 11th publicist exit in five years, with previous short-term staff including Emily Robinson, who stayed four months in 2025, and Ashley Hansen, who left in 2024 to join Forward Global, according to Variety. This revolving door has fueled perceptions of instability in the Sussexes’ operations.
Netflix Deals Lose Steam
The Sussexes’ $100 million, five-year Netflix contract, signed in 2020, covered documentaries, films, scripted series, and children’s content. While their “Harry & Meghan” docuseries launched with strong viewership, subsequent projects underperformed.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster speaking to Geo TV, said, “The majority of their material has received poor viewing figures, and there doesn’t seem to be a suitable appeal for any new productions starring the duo,” adding their “star attraction has taken a nose dive.” Meghan’s “With Love, Meghan” show debuted in March 2025, reaching Netflix’s Global Top 10 in 47 countries within 24 hours, according to Deadline. However, viewership later dropped sharply, with Decider reporting 5.3 million views at rank 383 for Season 1, and Season 2 failing to crack U.S. or UK top 10 lists.
Staff Turnover Raises Questions
Turnover extends beyond publicity roles. In June 2024, four staffers left, including communications experts Kyle Boulia and Charlie Gipson. In September 2024, global press secretary Ashley Hansen departed to start her own venture before joining Forward Global. Emily Robinson, who joined from Netflix in May 2025, left after four months following the Jenner party photo controversy.
Reports from The Telegraph and Hello Magazine suggested workplace tensions, though some former staff defended the couple’s management. This pattern of departures highlights operational instability, adding pressure on the Sussexes to maintain media relevance while navigating internal team disruptions.
Archewell Foundation Restructures
In December 2025, Archewell Foundation rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies, cutting approximately three positions—about 60 percent of staff—due to a fiscal sponsor shift, as confirmed by Parade and Yahoo Entertainment. Tax filings from 2024 showed the organization raised $2.1 million against $5.1 million spent, resulting in a $2.5 million deficit after prior surpluses, with net assets of $8.2 million.
The restructuring reflects a strategic shift in operations. In statements to Parade, the couple described the transition as “inevitable” and aligned with their evolving philanthropic approach, signaling a tighter focus on sustainability and mission-driven work.
Looking Ahead Amid Uncertainty
Royal experts, including Richard Fitzwilliams, note that Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle brand is a crucial revenue stream, while Harry’s projects generate less commercial traction. Observers in Harper’s Bazaar and IMDb caution that Netflix non-renewal could require lifestyle adjustments, given the Montecito estate’s expenses.
Success now hinges on producing compelling content, retaining a stable team, and maintaining public favor. The Jenner party incident and Maines’ departure crystallize the broader challenges confronting the Sussexes’ media ambitions. How they navigate these pressures in 2026 may define their standing in Hollywood and their ability to sustain a lucrative public persona.
Sources
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s $100 Million Netflix Deal Is DEAD. YouTube, 2025
Meghan Markle’s Chief Communications Officer Steps Down After Less Than a Year. People, December 26, 2025.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner Delete Pics with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from Party. People, November 2025.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s Spotify Deal Ends After Season 1 of Archetypes. Fox Business, June 2022
Archewell Inc – Nonprofit Explorer. ProPublica, November 2025
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Face Major Staff Turnover Dubbed ‘Bloodbath.’ Fox News, June 2024