Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in damage control mode as they swiftly move to downplay the sudden departure of their Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler, just three months after his appointment. The split, initially reported as a resignation, is now being framed as a “mutual agreement” by sources close to the couple.
Kettler’s exit marks another setback for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have faced a turbulent few years since stepping back from royal duties. The couple is set to embark on a four-day tour of Colombia, a trip that was recently confirmed after an invitation from the country’s Vice President, Francia Márquez. The timing of Kettler’s departure, right before this high-profile visit, has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation.
A source connected to the Sussexes revealed that Kettler’s role was always intended to be on a trial basis, with both parties concluding that the fit wasn’t right. “Josh Kettler is no longer working for them,” the source confirmed, echoing statements from a US publication closely linked to the couple. The departure, while amicable, underscores the challenges the Sussexes continue to face in solidifying their team.
Kettler had recently accompanied Prince Harry on his visit to the UK for an Invictus Games anniversary event at St Paul’s Cathedral, an engagement that now stands as his final official duty for the couple.
As Prince Harry and Meghan prepare for their South American tour, speculation swirls about whether their children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, will join them. While Archie is seen as a likely participant, there are concerns about the increased media attention and security risks that the children’s presence might attract. Meghan is reportedly weighing the pros and cons of bringing the children, mindful of both the potential benefits and the logistical challenges.
Security remains a key issue, particularly given the high-profile nature of their visit and Colombia’s complex security landscape. Despite assurances that the Sussexes will be accompanied by substantial security personnel, there is public concern over the costs that the Colombian government might incur. Critics argue that the Sussexes’ visit serves more as a public relations exercise for both the couple and the Colombian administration, rather than a meaningful diplomatic mission.
As the Sussexes navigate this latest bump in the road, all eyes will be on how they handle their Colombia tour and what it signals about their future endeavors. The departure of their Chief of Staff may be a setback, but it also offers an opportunity for the couple to recalibrate as they continue to carve out their post-royal identities on the global stage.
The public and royal watchers alike will be keen to see how the Sussexes manage the challenges ahead, and whether their next steps will help to solidify their standing or further complicate their path forward.
