Who is James Holt? Harry and Meghan's former spokesperson regrets telling them to ‘play the game’ with media

In the documentary 'Harry & Meghan', James Holt revealed he wholeheartedly regrets his advice to the couple
PUBLISHED DEC 8, 2022
James Holt and (L) has worked long for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Steven Simione, Kirsty O’Connor - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
James Holt and (L) has worked long for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Steven Simione, Kirsty O’Connor - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The much anticipated Netflix documentary around the Sussexes’ lives is finally available for viewers on the platform. The six-part docuseries directed by the Emmy-winning Liz Garbus features the details of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship, including their early courtship, their secret long-distance relationship, and the challenges the pair faced once the truth was out.

The explosive documentary also features interviews with several people who have known the couple, such as childhood friends, classmates, and even those who work for the pair. Among these was the couple's former spokesperson, James Holt, who shared his past interactions with the duo. During the documentary ‘Meghan & Harry’, James discussed a moment that he regrets. According to their ex-spokesperson, there was a time when the couple approached him about paparazzi, and he simply advised them to “play the game.” James went on to reveal that a photographer had asked him, “Can’t you get him to do something? He doesn’t perform for us anymore,” referring to Harry.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 'Harry & Meghan' (IMDb)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 'Harry & Meghan' (Netflix)

In his interview with Liz Garbus for ‘Harry & Meghan’, James revealed he “wholeheartedly regrets” advising the couple, “Sometimes we gotta just play the game.” He continued, “Harry and Meghan and the rest of the family had an obligation to perform. If they didn’t, they would fall out of favor, and any opportunity to write negatively or highlight negatively would be taken.” He further added, “It was a real cutthroat business, and with Meghan, there was no limit.”

Who is James Holt?

James was Harry and Meghan's former spokesperson and is the executive director of the Archewell Foundation. James is a London-based political PR expert who worked as the Sussexes’ UK head of engagement and communications since September 2020. The PR guru has a history of working as a reporter and in political PR for the Cabinet Office. He has also worked PR for Liberal Democrats, 10 Downing Street, and Nick Clegg, and was a senior communications officer for The Royal Foundation. James is among Prince Harry’s longest-serving team members.

James Holt attends Project Angel Food Thanksgiving 2022 at Project Angel Food on November 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
James Holt attends Project Angel Food Thanksgiving 2022 at Project Angel Food on November 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)

The University of Lincoln graduate moved on from his previous position to take over as executive director of the duke and duchess’ foundation, Archewell, and relocated to Hollywood. He is now responsible for the Sussexes’ Netflix and Spotify deals, which are worth an estimated £100m ($122 million)

Netflix released the first three episodes of 'Harry & Meghan' on Wednesday, December 8. The second installment is set to drop next week on December 15.
 

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