As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gear up for their highly anticipated tour of Colombia, they face an unexpected hurdle: the abrupt resignation of Josh Kettler, who had only recently taken on the role of Chief of Staff.
His exit has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding potential turmoil within the Sussexes’ team, particularly given the timing of his departure just three months into the job.
Harry had high hopes when he appointed Kettler earlier this year.
He believed that Kettler was the right fit to help him navigate this new chapter in his life.
Unfortunately, the situation took a surprising turn when Kettler decided to step down, leaving many to wonder what could have prompted such a swift exit after accepting the position with enthusiasm.
Sources close to the couple have indicated to the Daily Mail that there is now no connection between Kettler and the Sussexes, raising eyebrows about what might have transpired so quickly.
The timing of his departure is particularly inconvenient as the couple prepares for their upcoming royal engagements, including a significant trip to Colombia.
Kettler had been present during several recent public outings, including the tenth anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games in London.
He accompanied Harry and Meghan to St. Paul’s Cathedral for a service commemorating this milestone.
His involvement also extended to their three-day tour of Nigeria, where he played a crucial role in meetings with government officials.
These experiences were expected to be just the beginning of Kettler’s contributions to the Sussexes’ international endeavors.
However, the Sussexes have struggled with a high turnover rate among their staff, and Kettler’s resignation is just the latest example.
Since their marriage in 2018, at least 18 employees have left their positions.
Last year alone, when they moved to California, nine team members resigned.
One former staff member even claimed that no current or past employee would consider returning, citing a challenging work environment as the primary reason.
Before joining the Sussex team, Kettler worked for Cognene, a medical equipment company.
His departure coincides with Meghan’s ongoing struggles to find suitable staff for her ventures.
Reports from the Daily Mail Diary indicate that despite interviewing numerous candidates for the CEO position at American Riviera Orchard—a lifestyle brand focused on home gardening—none have been secured yet.
Meghan is determined to turn this brand into a profitable enterprise, but staffing challenges loom large.
There’s chatter suggesting that Kettler might break his nondisclosure agreement to shed light on the reasons behind his sudden departure.
Leaving just before a planned trip to Colombia, especially after supporting the Sussexes during their Nigerian tour, hints at a possible lack of appreciation for his contributions.
It appears that Kettler had reservations about making a significant impact in an environment where meaningful change seemed elusive.
Reports suggest that Kettler felt stifled, working alongside individuals who prioritized personal agendas over broader goals.
Instead of being part of a dynamic team focused on tangible outcomes, he found himself in a restrictive atmosphere that hindered progress.
This raises questions about how someone could resign after only three months unless the situation was genuinely untenable.
It’s not uncommon for new hires to take time to acclimate to a workplace.
Typically, individuals need several weeks, if not months, to feel comfortable and effective in their roles.
Therefore, Kettler’s quick exit signals that something was amiss from the very beginning.
Moreover, departing just before a royal tour, when guidance and support are most needed, underscores the likelihood that significant issues arose during his brief tenure.
The Sussexes now face the challenge of moving forward without a key team member at such a critical juncture.