“It’s unrealistic expectations”: Zack Peter weighs in as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face fresh publicist exit questions

Pop culture commentator and Podcaster Zack Peter has shared his reaction after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost another publicist in under a year. According to PEOPLE, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex hired Meredith Maines in February 2025 as their chief communications officer. She handled media work for their public image, business projects, and charity efforts.
However, on December 26, PEOPLE reported that Maines had stepped down from the role. A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed the news and said the couple was “grateful” for her work and wished her well. This exit has drawn attention because Maines is reportedly the 11th publicist to part ways with the couple in the last five years. The timing and pattern have again raised questions about the Sussexes’ public relations strategy.

Zack Peter comments on Meredith Maines exit and questions Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s PR troubles

During his Sunday livestream, Zack Peter openly spoke about the situation. He said that since stepping away from the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “continue to make themselves appear worse and worse.” He added that so many people leaving their team makes it look like “a them problem.”

Peter also reacted to a viewer comment suggesting that Meghan Markle does not listen to her publicists. Responding to that, he said:

“I think that’s what it is. Meghan thinks she knows better. I think it’s unrealistic expectations, and she doesn’t like to listen. I can also see Meghan as somebody that is extremely difficult to work with. It’s constantly pushing and trying to get people to give them what they want. In the end, I just don’t think it goes well. Very same Blake Lively energy.”

Peter also spoke about negative media coverage. He said that if a publicist cannot stop a bad story, people often blame the publicist. But he added that when a client’s image is already damaged, expectations need to be managed better.

More details about the exit came from Page Six, which reported that no official reason was given for Maines leaving. A source close to her told Page Six that she was “unflappable” and enjoyed her time, but felt it was “time to go.”

Page Six also reported that controversy around Kris Jenner’s birthday party may have played a role. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the event, and photos with Kim Kardashian were briefly posted and then deleted. The situation led to online talk that hurt Meghan Markle’s public image.

In a statement shared with the media, Meredith Maines 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. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity, the Archewell Foundation, has also recently gone through a rebrand and staff changes.

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