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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Face Key Staff Departure Ahead of Colombia Tour

 August 13, 2024

Josh Kettler, the recently appointed chief of staff for Prince Harry, has resigned after only three months in the role.

This sudden departure of Kettler comes just as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are about to embark on a significant tour of Colombia, as the Daily Mail reports.

Earlier this year, Kettler joined the team of the Duke of Sussex, bringing with him a background in the medical equipment industry. His tenure was marked by a number of public engagements, including a notable appearance at the Invictus Games' tenth anniversary in London this May.

During the service at St Paul's Cathedral, attended by Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer, Kettler was present. Notably, this event was devoid of other Royal Family members. Kettler's role during this time was seen as pivotal, especially as he aided in coordinating these appearances.

Prince Harry, Meghan Struggle to Retain Staff

Kettler also accompanied the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a recent three-day tour of Nigeria, indicating his integral role in their global engagements. However, his departure is not an isolated incident.

The couple has faced significant challenges in maintaining a stable staff, having seen a high turnover since their marriage in 2018.

At least 18 employees have parted ways with the Sussexes over the past six years, with nine of those departures occurring after their relocation to California in 2020.

This pattern of frequent changes has raised concerns about the working environment within their organization.

Meghan's Business Ventures Also Face Hurdles

Simultaneously, Meghan Markle has encountered difficulties in her entrepreneurial efforts. She has been actively looking for a CEO to lead her new venture, American Riviera Orchard, but has yet to secure the right fit despite numerous interviews.

This series of staffing issues hints at broader challenges within the couple's professional and personal projects. A former staff member expressed disillusionment with the situation, noting that many of these individuals were highly competent professionals accustomed to high-performance environments.

Upcoming Tour Amid Staff Instability

Despite these setbacks, the tour of Colombia, starting Thursday, is moving forward. The Duke and Duchess are scheduled to visit Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali over four days.

They have been invited by the Colombian vice president, Francia Marquez, to engage with various community groups and highlight the cultural significance of Colombia. Marquez has emphasized the tour as a chance to showcase Colombia's contributions to culture and innovation.

Concerns Over Security and Public Perception

Amid organizing these foreign tours, Prince Harry has curiously voiced concerns over the security challenges of visiting Britain. Following their withdrawal from royal duties, the couple lost taxpayer-funded security, complicating their international travels.

This issue of security has been a recurring theme in their public statements and is intertwined with their decisions regarding which countries they visit and the nature of their engagements.

Implications of Kettler's Departure for Sussexes

The departure of Kettler is seen as a significant blow to the operational capabilities of Prince Harry and Meghan's team, especially at a time when they are about to represent their interests on an international stage.

The timing is particularly impactful, raising questions about the continuity and effectiveness of their engagements abroad.

In conclusion, the departure of Josh Kettler from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's staff poses new challenges as they prepare for their upcoming tour of Colombia. This incident adds to a series of staff turnovers that have marked the couple's post-royal career, reflecting ongoing challenges in maintaining a stable support team.

As they continue to navigate these disruptions, the spotlight remains on the pair's ability to manage and lead their initiatives effectively.