The recent resignation of Josh Kettler, who held the position of Chief of Staff for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has sparked renewed scrutiny over the ongoing exodus of staff from the Sussexes’ inner circle.
Kettler’s departure, occurring just three months into his tenure, marks yet another high-profile exit in a troubling trend that has plagued the couple since their wedding in 2018.
This pattern of staff turnover is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s become a significant hurdle for Harry and Meghan.
Key roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Heads of Marketing, Content, and Audio, have all seen personnel changes, raising questions about the stability and effectiveness of their operations.
The couple’s team dynamics seem to be under constant strain.
Allegations of bullying and intimidating behavior directed at staff members have increasingly come to light, particularly concerning Meghan Markle.
Former aides have recounted experiences that left them in tears, with some reports even suggesting that Prince William had to step in to comfort staff on at least one occasion.
This troubling narrative isn’t new; it has been echoed by others, leading to the emergence of the moniker “Sussex Survivors Club” among those who have worked closely with the Duchess.
As the Sussexes gear up for their upcoming tour of Colombia, which aims to promote safer digital environments and engage with various groups linked to the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, the focus is shifting.
While the tour is intended to spotlight important issues, concerns about Meghan’s treatment of her team are overshadowing these efforts.
The Sussexes’ U.S. operation appears to be struggling significantly, as key personnel continue to depart for other opportunities.
This trend has created a negative reputation that complicates their ability to attract and retain new talent.
Kettler’s resignation is particularly embarrassing, especially considering he was brought on board as an experienced executive to help stabilize the team.
His exit, alongside other notable departures such as Catherine St Laurent and Mandana Dayani from the Archewell Foundation, highlights the mounting challenges faced by Harry and Meghan in cultivating a cohesive and effective team.
The instability within their ranks is raising eyebrows and concerns.
Adding to the complexities is Meghan Markle’s reported difficulty in finding a chief executive for her internet cookery and lifestyle brand.
The demanding nature of this role has made it hard to fill, reflecting broader issues within her management style—both personally and professionally.
Royal expert Tom Bauer, author of “Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors,” suggests that more revelations regarding Meghan’s alleged bullying may soon emerge.
As former aides begin to speak out, Bauer anticipates that what started as a trickle of information could swell into a torrent, further complicating the Sussexes’ public image.
A particularly distressing account that surfaced recently involves an assistant who was allegedly ordered to retrieve a product located 120 miles away within a strict four-hour deadline.
This unrealistic demand, coupled with the looming threat of job loss, paints a grim picture of the work environment and raises serious mental health concerns for employees.
What could possibly warrant such urgency?
Some speculate that this frantic search was merely to secure a new wig for Meghan’s upcoming Colombia trip.
This anecdote draws unsettling parallels to incidents involving Princess Diana, where impossible tasks were used to shift blame and undermine staff morale.
Earlier this year, Samantha Cohen, a former aide who had worked for Queen Elizabeth before joining Meghan’s team, corroborated claims of harsh treatment.