In yet another shake-up within the beleaguered inner circle of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their newly appointed chief of staff, Josh Kettler, has exited the role after a mere three months on the job. The departure, though abrupt, comes as little surprise to those familiar with the Sussexes’ turbulent track record in retaining top talent.
Kettler, a seasoned public relations professional, was brought on board earlier this year, tasked with guiding Prince Harry through the “next phase” of his high-profile life. His tenure began just before the couple’s three-day trip to Nigeria in May, a tour that was intended to cement Harry’s diplomatic and charitable endeavors. But the relationship between Kettler and the Sussexes fizzled out almost as quickly as it began.
The departure, which sources say was “mutual,” signals yet another misstep in the couple’s increasingly erratic post-royal career. The Sussexes, who have struggled to maintain a stable team since their departure from the Royal Family, now find themselves without a chief of staff at a crucial time. With their Colombia trip imminent and other high-profile engagements on the horizon, Kettler’s exit raises questions about the direction and management of the Sussex brand.
Insiders suggest that Kettler, who described himself as an “experienced executive accelerator, organizer, and confidant,” was simply not the right fit for the role. The high-profile position, which included accompanying Prince Harry on his brief trip to London in May to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, seemed to require a different skill set than what Kettler brought to the table. His departure just days before the Sussexes’ scheduled trip to Colombia has left many speculating about the couple’s ability to maintain a cohesive and effective team.
Perhaps most telling is the revelation from a former staffer who claimed that during their time working for the Sussexes, not a single employee expressed a desire to take on the role again. “These aren’t employees they had just found off the streets,” the source emphasized. “Many of them are people who had previously excelled working for demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments.” The implication is clear: the problem may not lie with the staff, but with the Sussexes themselves.
Kettler’s role was initially seen as critical to helping Prince Harry navigate the complexities of his post-royal life, particularly as he continues to champion causes like the Invictus Games and the couple’s anti-online bullying campaign. His brief tenure, however, underscores the challenges the Sussexes face as they try to carve out a new identity on the global stage.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare for their upcoming engagements in Colombia, they do so without the guidance of a seasoned chief of staff—a gap that could prove challenging given their ambitious agenda. With Kettler’s departure, the question remains: can Harry and Meghan find the right team to support their lofty goals, or will this be yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of staff turnover and instability?
One thing is certain—this latest development adds to the growing list of personnel changes that have plagued the Sussexes since their departure from royal duties. And as the world watches their next move, it’s becoming increasingly clear that stability might be one of the few things money and fame can’t buy.
