Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Royal Reconciliation? James Holt's Olive Branch to Meghan Markle Controversy

Jason Knauf (left) is pictured with Harry and Meghan attending the Invictus Games in Toronto. He accused Meghan of bullying staff and then quit the royal household after Megxit

ROYAL FAMILY FEUD: Sussex's Right-Hand Man Makes Shocking Move

In a shocking turn of events, James Holt, Prince Harry's trusted advisor and communications expert, has made overtures towards Jason Knauf, the royal aide who accused Meghan Markle of bullying Palace staff out of their jobs. This bold move comes weeks after Prince Harry made a plea for reconciliation with his family in an interview.

The drama unfolded when Holt liked several LinkedIn posts by Knauf, including one praising his work with Prince William's Earthshot Prize. This olive branch was met with surprise, given the Sussexes' alleged poor treatment of staff and their perceived feud with the royal family.

Jason has spoken about William and Harry's fractured relationship, saying that it was 'sad' and the Prince of Wales has chosen to be 'private' about it. He is now back working for William

Knauf, a New Zealander who worked as press secretary for Harry and Meghan, made headlines in 2018 when he accused the Duchess of Sussex of mistreating two colleagues. He quit the royal household in 2021 but was later appointed CEO of Prince William's Earthshot Prize. This promotion raises eyebrows, given the alleged bad blood between Harry and William.

The feud between the Sussexes and the royal family has been well-documented. In February, Knauf reiterated his claims about Meghan's behavior, stating that he "wouldn't change a thing" and had "no regrets." This stance contrasts with Harry's recent comments on the issue, where he claimed that the allegations were part of an orchestrated smear campaign.

Holt's overtures towards Knauf come as the royal family faces a period of unprecedented upheaval. With Prince Charles set to take the throne, tensions are running high within the palace walls. This development may signal a renewed effort at reconciliation between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.

James Holt, pictured on the day Harry and Meghan married, has liked a series of royal-related posts

In an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Knauf spoke candidly about his time working for Harry and Meghan. He recalled how he had initially enjoyed his role as press secretary but was eventually driven out by the couple's alleged poor treatment of staff. "The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights," he said.

This latest development has sparked speculation about the future of the Sussexes' relationships with their royal relatives. With Prince Harry's High Court defeat over taxpayer-funded bodyguards still fresh, this olive branch may signal a new chapter in the ongoing drama between the Sussexes and the palace.

BIOGRAPHY: JAMES HOLT

James Holt is an experienced communications expert who has worked for various high-profile clients. As Executive Director of The Archewell Foundation, he has played a key role in shaping the Sussexes' public image. Prior to joining the royal family, Holt worked as head of media for the Liberal Democrats and special adviser to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

In addition to his work with the Sussexes, Holt has also acted as communications director for Pride in London between 2016 and 2017. With his BA degree in journalism from the University of Lincoln, Holt has established himself as a respected figure in the world of public relations.

BIOGRAPHY: JASON KNAUF

Sussex aide James Holt has been liking and celebrating work relating to Prince William and King Charles this week in a move that has raised eyebrows amongst royal watchers

Jason Knauf is a New Zealander who worked as press secretary for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before quitting the royal household in 2021. He was one of two people Harry told he was proposing to Meghan before their wedding. Knauf has been open about his experiences working with the couple, stating that he had initially enjoyed his role but was eventually driven out by their alleged poor treatment of staff.

In recognition of his service, Prince William made Knauf CEO of his Earthshot Prize in 2022. This promotion has raised eyebrows, given the perceived bad blood between Harry and William.

ROYAL FAMILY FEUD: A TIMELINE

Former royal aide Jason Knauf has broken his silence after accusing Meghan Markle of 'bullying' junior members of staff

  • 2018: Jason Knauf accuses Meghan Markle of bullying Palace staff out of their jobs.
  • 2021: Knauf quits the royal household after making allegations against Meghan.
  • 2022: Prince William makes Knauf CEO of his Earthshot Prize.
  • 2023: James Holt, Prince Harry's trusted advisor, likes several LinkedIn posts by Knauf.

THE ROYAL FAMILY FEUD CONTINUES

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the royal family feud will continue to captivate audiences around the world. With tensions running high between the Sussexes and the palace walls, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. Will James Holt's olive branch towards Jason Knauf signal a new chapter in the ongoing drama? Only time will tell.