In a surprising twist, Josh Kettler, the newly appointed Chief of Staff for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has left his position just as the couple prepares for their upcoming tour of Colombia.
This unexpected departure, occurring only three months after he took on the role, has ignited speculation about the internal challenges within the Sussex team and the reasons behind his swift exit.
When Prince Harry selected Kettler earlier this year, hopes were high.
He was seen as the ideal candidate to help navigate the Duke’s next chapter.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Kettler’s tenure has ended abruptly, leaving many to ponder what could have led to such a hasty decision.
Sources in California confirmed to the Daily Mail that Kettler is no longer part of the team, prompting questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The timing of Kettler’s exit is particularly concerning for the Sussexes, who are set to embark on a quasi-royal tour of Colombia.
This trip follows their recent public engagements, including a notable appearance in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
During that May visit, Kettler was alongside Harry as they attended a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
He also played a key role during their three-day tour of Nigeria later that month, where he engaged with government officials.
These experiences seemed to mark the beginning of Kettler’s contributions to the Sussexes’ international endeavors.
Kettler’s brief time as Chief of Staff highlights a larger issue for the Sussexes: a troubling pattern of high staff turnover.
Since their marriage in 2018, at least 18 staff members have departed, with nine or more leaving since their relocation to California in 2020.
One former employee remarked that during their time there, they never heard anyone express a desire to return if given the opportunity.
This sentiment points to a potentially challenging work environment, even for individuals accustomed to thriving in high-pressure roles.
Before joining the Sussexes, Kettler worked for Cognixion, a company focused on medical technology.
His departure coincides with Meghan facing her own staffing challenges, particularly in her attempts to establish a new cooking and lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
Reports indicate that Meghan has faced difficulties finding a CEO for the venture, despite interviewing several candidates.
She aims to make this brand successful, focusing on home, garden, food, and lifestyle products.
As rumors swirl about Kettler’s abrupt exit, questions arise regarding whether he might breach his non-disclosure agreement to shed light on the situation.
His departure, especially right before the planned Colombia trip, raises eyebrows, particularly after he had accompanied the Sussexes on their Nigerian tour.
It seems that Kettler may have felt undervalued in his role, leading him to question the meaningful impact he could make.
Reports suggest that Kettler felt stifled in an environment where significant positive change appeared unlikely.
Instead of being part of a dynamic team with a clear mission, he found himself in a situation where personal agendas seemed to overshadow collective goals.
This perception has led to skepticism about the true value of their efforts, with concerns that the outcomes may be trivial and self-serving.
Leaving a job after such a short period is unusual and often indicative of deeper issues.
Typically, it takes time to settle into a new position and establish a rhythm.
Kettler’s quick exit hints at a dysfunctional work environment from the outset.
Departing just as the Sussexes prepare for another royal tour, when his guidance would have been most crucial, suggests that something significant went awry behind the scenes.