Chief of Staff for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Resigns After 3 Months

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, has reportedly resigned just days before accompanying them on their trip to Colombia. Sources close to the couple revealed this unexpected development to The Daily Mail on Monday. Although speculation has grown since the news broke, the most reliable reports suggest that Kettler and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex mutually agreed that this job was not the right fit for him.

Kettler had signed on as chief of staff for Markle and Prince Harry about a week before their trip to Nigeria began in May. Insiders indicated that Kettler had been on a three-month trial period, a common practice for many jobs. According to PEOPLE, the decision for Kettler to part ways with the Sussexes was mutual after the trial period ended, with both sides agreeing that it was best to move on. Despite this explanation, some commentators link his departure to broader difficulties the couple may face in retaining employees. A follow-up by The Daily Mail on Thursday offered a more dramatic take on the situation.

Another source told The Daily Mail that Kettler did not enjoy working for the Sussexes and seized the first opportunity to exit. “There were aspects of it that he wasn’t comfortable with. He thought it was better to leave now than to continue in a job that he did not enjoy,” the source said.

Regardless of which version of events is accurate, Kettler’s resignation has drawn a lot of attention, particularly given the timing just before the Sussexes’ trip to Colombia. The couple is visiting on behalf of their charity, which has launched a new initiative called the Archewell Foundation’s Parent Network. This program aims to provide resources for parents of children experiencing cyberbullying and related mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. This new venture aligns with Colombia’s upcoming event, the first-ever World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children. Despite this, many refer to the trip as a “quasi-royal tour” of the country.

Kettler had previously joined the couple in Nigeria and traveled with Prince Harry to the U.K. to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The full scope of his duties remains unclear, but Page Six reported that Kettler’s resume includes high-level coordination work in corporate and legal settings. Some pundits have eyed this track record and linked it to the broader pattern of top-tier employees leaving the Sussexes’ employ, theorizing that the couple might be the common factor in these departures.

Rumors that Markle and Prince Harry are difficult employers have persisted for years, although former employees have not publicly confirmed these claims. In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry disputed this narrative, emphasizing that Markle became extremely close to those who spent time in their household. So far, neither Prince Harry nor Markle have responded publicly to the reports and speculation surrounding Kettler’s departure.

As the couple prepares for their Colombian tour amidst these controversies, observers will undoubtedly keep an eye on how this latest resignation impacts their public image and the execution of their charitable activities. What’s clear is that the coming days will be significant not only for their scheduled events but for addressing lingering questions about their leadership and working relationships.

Source: The Daily Mail, PEOPLE, Page Six