In a surprising turn of events, Josh Kettler has left his position as chief of staff for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after just three months on the job.
This sudden exit has sparked curiosity and speculation about the inner workings of the couple’s team, especially given their history of high employee turnover.
With Kettler’s departure, the question looms: what really went down behind the scenes?
Kettler, who was hired to guide Prince Harry through this next phase of his life, didn’t exactly get a warm welcome.
He joined the Sussexes right before their trip to Nigeria, a timing that many would find questionable.
It’s hard to believe that anyone would willingly step into such a chaotic situation without some serious reservations.
After all, who wants to start a new job with an international trip on the horizon?
The narrative surrounding Kettler’s exit has been painted as a mutual decision, but let’s be real—when has that ever been the case?
It’s often just a polite way to cover up what’s likely a much messier reality.
When someone leaves so quickly, it’s usually a sign that things weren’t quite right from the start.
Kettler may have thought he could navigate the tricky waters of working with the Sussexes, but it seems like he quickly realized he was in over his head.
Before joining the Sussex team, Kettler had a solid career, including a decade at Patagonia, where he focused on environmental conservation.
His LinkedIn profile boasts of being an “executive accelerator,” but his brief tenure with Harry and Meghan suggests he might need to rethink that title.
After all, accelerating out of a role within three months doesn’t exactly scream stability.
During his short time with the Sussexes, Kettler accompanied them on significant trips, including the Invictus Games in London.
However, many are questioning whether these trips were worth it.
Was he really able to contribute anything meaningful to the couple’s mission, or was he merely a bystander in a series of poorly planned events?
The optics of traveling to Nigeria and relying on controversial figures for transportation certainly don’t help the Sussexes’ image.
This isn’t the first time the Sussexes have faced issues with retaining staff.
Their last chief of staff, Catherine St. Laurent, also departed after a year, despite leaving a prestigious role with Bill and Melinda Gates.
It’s hard not to wonder if there’s a pattern here.
With Kettler’s exit, the Sussexes have now seen a staggering 18 staff departures in just six years, averaging three a year.
That’s a concerning statistic for any organization.
The revolving door of employees has led some to speculate about the work environment within the Sussex household.
Reports of staff members feeling overwhelmed and even crying at their desks paint a troubling picture.
If Kettler’s experience was anything like those before him, it’s no wonder he decided to cut his losses and move on.
As for Kettler, it seems he took this role as a temporary gig while searching for something more aligned with his values.
It’s likely he thought he could help guide Harry through a transitional phase, but instead, he found himself caught in a whirlwind of drama and uncertainty.
Now, he’s back on the job market, probably relieved to put this chapter behind him.
The Sussexes continue to pursue various projects, but one has to question whether they can find someone willing to stick around amidst the chaos.
With each departure, the credibility of their leadership is called into question.
Are they simply looking for someone to manage their affairs, or do they genuinely want to build a cohesive team?
For now, Kettler’s exit serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
As they navigate their public and private lives, the struggle to maintain a stable team is becoming increasingly evident.
This latest shake-up raises more questions than answers about their future direction.
As the dust settles on this latest departure, one thing is clear: the Sussexes must reassess their approach if they hope to attract and retain talent in the long run.
Without a solid foundation, they risk becoming a cautionary tale of how not to run a team.
With Kettler’s swift exit, the saga continues, leaving many wondering who will be next to walk out the door.
