Josh Kettler, the recently appointed chief of staff to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has abruptly resigned after just three months in the role.

The top staffer's departure is a significant setback for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, especially as Kettler was expected to play a key role in their upcoming tour of Colombia, as the Daily Mail reports.

Kettler was appointed as the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff earlier this year. His resignation comes shortly before Harry and Meghan's planned "quasi-royal tour" of Colombia, which begins this week.

This presents a challenging situation as Kettler was poised to contribute significantly to the logistics and planning of their engagements in Colombia.

Resignation Before Important Tour

Kettler, who joined Prince Harry in May for a visit to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, has parted ways with the Sussexes. During the London visit, Kettler was seen accompanying Prince Harry at St. Paul’s Cathedral for the anniversary service, which was also attended by Earl Spencer but marked by the absence of other Royal Family members.

Kettler's role appeared crucial not only in domestic engagements but also in international ones. He was a key presence during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's three-day tour of Nigeria in May, where he accompanied Harry in meetings with government officials. His sudden departure so soon before the Colombia tour adds substantial difficulty to the Sussexes’ planning process.

Staff Retention Struggles

The Sussexes have consistently grappled with staff retention issues. Since their marriage in 2018, at least 18 employees have left their service. More notably, nine or more staff members have exited since their relocation to California in 2020.

A source in California confirmed Kettler’s sudden resignation, stating, "Josh Kettler is no longer working for them." This reinforces the persistent challenges Harry and Meghan face in maintaining a stable team.

Moreover, sentiment among former staff members appears pessimistic. A former employee revealed, "What may be most telling is that the entire time I worked there, I don't think I heard a single current or former employee on their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance."

Challenges with New Business

In addition to these staffing challenges, Markle has struggled to find a suitable CEO for her new cooking and lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard. Despite interviewing several candidates, she has yet to secure a leader for her venture.

Kettler's resignation adds another layer of difficulty as the Sussexes prepare for their four-day "quasi-royal tour" of Colombia, at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez. Their itinerary includes visits to Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali.

Comments from Former Staff and Vice President

Expressing their experience with the Sussexes' work environment, a former staff member remarked, "These aren't employees they had just found off the streets. Many of them are people who had previously excelled working for demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments."

Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez commented on the tour, highlighting its cultural significance. She noted, Harry and Meghan will "have the exceptional opportunity to engage with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians... and illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation."

Safety Concerns Beyond Colombia

Concerns about travel safety have marred the Sussexes' plans over time. Prince Harry has expressed apprehensions about visiting Britain with his family due to the withdrawal of taxpayer-funded security since stepping down from royal duties.

Given this backdrop, the sudden exit of a critical staff member like Kettler becomes even more problematic, adding pressure to an already intricate scenario.

Conclusion

Josh Kettler's abrupt resignation after just three months as the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff poses a significant challenge to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, especially on the eve of their important tour of Colombia.

This departure underscores ongoing staff retention issues the Sussexes have faced, alongside Meghan's difficulties in securing a leader for her new business venture.

The upcoming tour, marked by engagements in Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali, will proceed with them navigating these unexpected hurdles.