The recent resignation of Josh Kettler, who served as Chief of Staff for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has once again highlighted a troubling trend of staff turnover within the Sussexes' team.
Kettler's departure, after just three months on the job, is the latest in a series of high-profile exits that have plagued the couple since their marriage in 2018. The persistent loss of senior staff members, including critical roles such as Chief Operating Officer, heads of marketing, content, audio, and even press secretaries, has become a significant challenge for the couple.
Reports suggest that Meghan Markle has been at the center of numerous allegations regarding intimidating and bullying behavior towards her staff. Former aides have claimed that Markle's treatment reduced some staff members to tears, with one instance reportedly leading Prince William to offer comfort. These allegations are not new; former staff members like Jason Knauf have formally accused Meghan of bullying, and the term "Sussex Survivors Club" has emerged among those who have worked closely with the Duchess.
As the Sussexes prepare for their upcoming tour of Colombia, which includes stops in Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali to promote safer digital environments and engage with various groups at the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, concerns over Meghan's treatment of her staff are intensifying. While the tour is expected to spotlight significant global issues, the internal dynamics of the Sussexes' team are increasingly taking center stage.
The Sussexes' U.S. operations appear to be facing significant challenges, with key staff members frequently departing for other opportunities, often citing a negative reputation that makes it difficult to attract and retain replacements. Kettler's resignation, despite being an experienced executive hired to support the Sussexes, has been described as a major embarrassment. His exit, along with other notable departures such as Catherine St-Laurent and Mandana Dayani from the Archewell Foundation, underscores the ongoing difficulties Prince Harry and Meghan face in maintaining a stable and effective team.
Adding to the complexity is Meghan Markle's reported struggle to appoint a chief executive for her internet cookery and lifestyle brand. The demanding nature of the role has made it difficult to fill, reflecting broader issues within her professional and personal management style. Royal expert Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, has suggested that more information about Meghan's alleged bullying will emerge as former aides begin to speak out. Bower predicts that the current trickle of information will soon turn into a significant stream, further complicating the Sussexes' public image.
A recent blind item published on August 14th adds to the controversy, describing a distressing situation in which an assistant was allegedly ordered to obtain a product located 120 miles away within a strict four-hour deadline. The unrealistic demand, coupled with the threat of job loss, is seen as indicative of bullying tactics that could severely impact an employee's mental health. Speculation arose that the product in question might have been a new wig for Meghan's upcoming trip to Colombia. This anecdote echoes a similar incident involving Princess Diana, where an impossible task was allegedly used to shift blame and undermine staff morale.
Earlier this year, Samantha Cohen, a former Palace aide who worked for Queen Elizabeth before being assigned to Meghan Markle, corroborated claims of harsh treatment. Cohen, who resigned in 2018, revealed in an interview with the Australian Herald Sun that staff felt they were treated harshly and compared the experience to working with teenagers. Cohen's extended stay, beyond her initial six-month commitment, further highlights the difficulties in finding and retaining suitable replacements for the Sussexes' team.
