By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-06-24 20:15:07 | Updated at 2026-06-24 21:02:31
52 minutes ago
James Holt, who previously led the Archewell Foundation as executive director before stepping down in December 2025, has revealed he will take on the role of Political Director for the Liberal Democrats starting in July.
The former political strategist spent nearly a decade working closely with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, beginning his collaboration with the duke in 2019 and appearing prominently in their Netflix documentary.
In a LinkedIn post announcing his return to frontline politics, Mr Holt wrote: "This opportunity feels like coming home in more ways than one."
He explained that his foundational work on children's online safety, mental health and humanitarian relief had brought him close to the defining challenges of the current moment.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ally has taken a senior Liberal Democrat role ahead of the couple's UK security decision
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Mr Holt expressed concern about political discourse, stating: "As I watch the political landscape in the US and the UK splinter into further extremes and aggression, it's time to jump back in."
The former Liberal Democrat spokesman voiced his belief that a liberal centre offering care, decency and compassion could provide the answer in an attention economy driven by extremes.
He praised Sir Ed Davey for building "something real" with 72 MPs and party members deeply connected to their communities.
Mr Holt's appointment arrives at a particularly notable moment, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelling to Britain next month for events marking one year until the Invictus Games.
James Holt published his announcement on LinkedIn
LINKEDIN/JAMES HOLT
However, their security arrangements for the visit have yet to be confirmed. Mr Holt had been providing consulting services to the couple until this week, it is understood.
Sources have suggested that Mr Holt's new position advising a parliamentary party could prove advantageous for the Sussexes in future discussions about their protection status.
"They are very excited about this (move by Holt)," a source told American journalist Paula Froelich in her blog, The Scoop.
The couple forfeited their entitlement to automatic police protection upon leaving their positions as senior working royals.
James Holt and Prince Harry pictured in 2022 at the Invictus Games
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Prince Harry now receives security on an individual basis for each trip, requiring applications to be submitted 30 days beforehand.
This period enables the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, to carry out tailored threat and risk evaluations.
The duke and duchess currently fund their own private security arrangements and do not receive taxpayer-funded police protection in Britain.
Upon leaving Archewell, Mr Holt spoke warmly of his time with the couple, telling GB News: "Working with Prince Harry and Meghan has been one of the great privileges of my career."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are due to come to the UK next month
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He highlighted their joint efforts supporting families affected by online harm as the most meaningful work of his professional life.
The duke and duchess responded by describing Mr Holt as "a stellar support for us for nearly ten years," praising his enthusiasm and talent in overseeing their charitable work.
They expressed pride that he would continue guiding their overseas humanitarian missions through Archewell Philanthropies despite relocating his young family back to London.
A spokesman for the Sussexes confirmed Mr Holt would remain as a senior philanthropic adviser, supporting their international humanitarian trips throughout 2026.
