Recent developments have cast a spotlight on the ongoing staffing troubles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, particularly following the unexpected resignation of their Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler.
Kettler’s departure after just three months has generated a whirlwind of speculation and intrigue, adding yet another chapter to the Sussexes’ saga of staffing challenges.
Remarkably, he becomes the 18th individual to exit their team in a matter of years.
When Kettler stepped into the role, he was seen as the perfect fit to assist Prince Harry as he navigated this new phase of life.
Given the couple’s high-profile engagements, his position was deemed critical.
Yet, despite the initial optimism surrounding his appointment, Kettler’s tenure proved to be disappointingly brief.
The Sussexes’ spokesperson opted to remain tight-lipped about the circumstances leading to his resignation.
However, an anonymous insider shared with People magazine that Kettler was brought on board on a trial basis, and that his exit was a mutual decision, implying that it simply wasn’t the right match for either party.
This explanation has raised eyebrows among observers.
Richard Eden from the Daily Mail pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that Harry and Meghan had previously lambasted the use of anonymous briefings, calling them relics of the palace’s shadowy practices.
Eden argued that the current reliance on such briefings seems hypocritical, especially considering the Sussexes’ public commitment to transparency.
He further critiqued the notion of a trial period, suggesting that Kettler’s role was no more temporary than other positions held by their staff members.
The significance of Kettler’s role was highlighted during the couple’s quasi-royal tour of Nigeria in May, where he was frequently seen at Harry’s side, and again during the St. Paul’s Cathedral service for the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary.
The term “mutual” used to describe Kettler’s departure has also sparked debate.
Eden noted that the Sussexes previously employed the same language to explain their split with Spotify, raising questions about the consistency of their narratives.
A source close to Kettler reportedly indicated that he found the job uncomfortable and preferred to leave rather than remain in an unenjoyable situation.
Adding fuel to the fire, recent allegations have emerged regarding Meghan Markle, suggesting she may have orchestrated a staged kidnapping during their visit to Colombia.
Sources claim that this dramatic event was intended to create leverage for securing continued taxpayer-funded security for the couple.
This comes against the backdrop of Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the UK government concerning his personal security arrangements, as he contends that returning to the UK without protection poses a significant risk to himself and his family.
If these kidnapping rumors hold any truth, they would further complicate the already fraught relationship the Sussexes maintain with the British public and authorities, casting doubt on the authenticity of their security concerns.
The timing of Kettler’s resignation, coinciding with the impending Colombia trip, has only intensified speculation.
Some suggest that Kettler may have been privy to knowledge about the alleged kidnapping scheme and chose to step back from the unfolding drama.
As the intertwined issues of staffing instability and the alleged kidnapping plot continue to unfold, they add a new layer of complexity to the Sussexes’ public narrative.
