Recent revelations have brought renewed attention to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ongoing staffing challenges, especially in light of the abrupt resignation of their Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler.
Kettler, who served in the position for just three months, departed under circumstances that have ignited considerable intrigue and speculation. His resignation marks the 18th departure from the Sussexes' team in a relatively short span, highlighting a pattern of staffing instability. Initially, Kettler was celebrated as the perfect candidate to guide Prince Harry through his next phase, a role that seemed particularly crucial given the couple’s high-profile engagements.
However, despite these high expectations, his tenure was notably brief. While a spokesperson for the Sussexes declined to comment on Kettler’s resignation, an anonymous source told People magazine that Kettler was hired on a trial basis, and his departure was a mutual decision, indicating that the role wasn’t the right fit for either party.
This explanation has been met with skepticism. Richard Eden of the Daily Mail pointed out the irony of the Sussexes' situation, noting that Prince Harry and Meghan had previously condemned the use of anonymous briefings, describing them as remnants of the "sinister" palace methods they sought to distance themselves from. Eden argues that relying on such briefings now appears disingenuous, especially given the Sussexes' public commitment to transparency. He further criticized the claim that Kettler's role was on a trial basis, suggesting that it was no more temporary than any other appointments made by the couple. The significance of Kettler's role was evident during Harry and Meghan's high-profile trip to Nigeria in May, where he was frequently seen by Harry’s side. His involvement was also noted during the St. Paul's Cathedral service celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
The term "mutual" used to describe Kettler’s departure has become another point of contention. Eden observes that the Sussexes had previously used the same term to describe their split with Spotify, raising questions about the consistency and authenticity of their explanations. A source close to Kettler reportedly stated that he found the job uncomfortable and preferred to leave rather than remain in an unenjoyable position. This adds to the controversy surrounding Kettler's exit, with some speculating that his resignation might be linked to recent explosive allegations involving Meghan Markle.
Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Meghan orchestrated a staged kidnapping during their visit to Colombia. According to sources, this dramatic incident was allegedly intended to create a narrative that would justify continued UK taxpayer-funded security for the Sussexes. These allegations come amid Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the UK government over his personal security detail, arguing that it is unsafe for him and his family to return to the UK without such protection. If the rumors of the kidnapping plot are true, they could further complicate the Sussexes' already contentious relationship with the British public and authorities, casting doubt on the sincerity of their security concerns.
The timing of Kettler's resignation, which occurred just before the Colombia trip, has fueled further speculation. Some suggest that Kettler might have been aware of the alleged kidnapping plot and chose to distance himself from the controversy. These intertwined issues of staffing instability and the alleged kidnapping plot have added a new layer of drama to the public narrative. With Kettler now joining the ranks of the so-called "Sussex Survivors Squad"—a term used for former staff who have left the couple's employment—the Sussexes' future endeavors and their impact on their public image remain under intense scrutiny.
