Meghan Markle and Prince Harry facing huge headache after untimely departure - analysis by Cameron Walker

Meghan and Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan's Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler, has quit after just three months in the job.

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Cameron Walker

By Cameron Walker


Published: 13/08/2024

- 12:29

Josh Kettler is the latest in a long line of staff departures since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex married in 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan's Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler, has quit after just three months in the job.

It is thought Kettler was hired to 'guide' Prince Harry 'through the next phase' - accompanying him and Meghan on their largely successful visit to Nigeria in May.


Kettler also supported Prince Harry in London at the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary service at St Paul's Cathedral that month.

A source close to Prince Harry and Meghan told the Press Association Kettler was only ever hired on a trial basis and the decision to part ways was mutual.

Meghan and HarryPrince Harry and Meghan's Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler, has quit after just three months in the job.Getty

It is understood both sides agreed it was not the right fit, suggesting there could have been disagreements between the couple and Kettler about the best way forward.

Kettler is the latest in a long line of staff departures since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex married in 2018, which adds to their reputation of being unable to retain staff.

Although there have been examples where the Sussexes have publicly thanked a departing staff member for their service and wished them well for the future, there have been other examples (particularly former Kensington Palace Staff who worked for Prince Harry and Meghan when they were working royals) who's experiences were not so wholesome.

Jason Knauf RVO, who worked as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's communications secretary in 2018, emailed his concerns about allegations Meghan was bullying staff to Prince William's Private Secretary.

Meghan Markle

Meanwhile, Meghan is reportedly struggling to find a Chief Executive for her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, having interviewed several candidates.

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The Duchess of Sussex's lawyers have in the past strenuously denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, Meghan is reportedly struggling to find a Chief Executive for her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, having interviewed several candidates.

The news of Josh Kettler's departure has become a big distraction for the Duke and Duchess' upcoming visit to Colombia where they intend to focus on online safety and ending violence against children.

Officially invited by Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez, Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to visit the capital city, Bogotá, as well as Cartagena and Cali.

Meghan and Harry

A source close to Prince Harry and Meghan told the Press Association Kettler was only ever hired on a trial basis and the decision to part ways was mutual.

Getty

VP Márquez, the first black woman to hold the position, said: "In these vibrant locations, [Harry and Meghan] will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress."

The official visit to Colombia, which is most certainly not a 'royal tour', has good intentions.

However, Kettler's untimely departure has created a huge headache for the Sussexes and their remaining staff, who will be fighting to contain the news and stop it becoming an unwanted distraction.

Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Josh Kettler, have been contacted for comment.

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