In a surprising turn of events, Josh Kettler has resigned from his position as chief of staff for Prince Harry after just three months.
This abrupt departure has reignited discussions about the alleged toxic work environment fostered by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Kettler’s exit adds his name to a troubling roster of former staffers who have come to be known as the “Sussex Survivors Club,” a term that highlights the increasing number of individuals leaving the couple’s employ, often citing Meghan’s demanding management style as a key reason for their departures.
Kettler was brought on board with the specific aim of supporting Prince Harry.
However, it appears that the role wasn’t the right fit for him.
Reports suggest that mutual agreement led to his resignation, as certain aspects of the job left him feeling uncomfortable.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing staffing challenges faced by the Sussexes and hints at deeper issues within their team.
Before Kettler’s resignation, several high-profile employees had already exited.
Notable figures include Toyah Holness, who served as the global press secretary, and Christine Vile-Shermer, the former communications director from Pinterest, who stepped down from her role in 2021.
The growing list of those associated with the “Sussex Survivors Club” also features Samantha Cohen, Markle’s former top aide, and Kelly Thomas Morgan, a partner at Sunshine Sachs who represented Meghan long before she became a royal.
A common theme among these departures points to Meghan’s alleged tendency to belittle her staff, a behavior that some insiders say has earned her the nickname “Duchess Difficult.”
Sources close to the couple have described an atmosphere where employees feel intimidated, with one individual even labeling Meghan as a “dictator in high heels.” According to these accounts, she has been known to bark orders and reduce grown men to tears.
The allegations surrounding Meghan’s treatment of her staff are not new.
In 2018, Jason Nath, the couple’s then communications secretary, filed a complaint regarding Meghan’s purported bullying behavior towards two personal assistants.
Although the findings from Buckingham Palace’s investigation were never disclosed, the mere existence of such a complaint has only fueled the narrative of Meghan as a challenging and uncompromising boss.
In stark contrast, Prince Harry has generally been depicted as a more compassionate leader.
Anecdotes from contractors working at his wedding illustrate this, with one recalling how the Duke pitched in to help set up a bar before the ceremony.
This difference in public perception between the couple has intensified concerns about Meghan’s management style and its effects on their staff.
Kettler’s resignation is particularly striking, given that he was specifically hired to support Prince Harry, who is often viewed as the more approachable member of the duo.
The Sussex spokesperson has chosen not to comment on this unfolding situation, but the ongoing departures only serve to reinforce the image of a toxic workplace, allegedly driven by Meghan’s bullying tendencies.
As the ranks of the “Sussex Survivors Club” continue to swell, questions linger about Meghan’s ability to shed this damaging reputation.
Will she manage to alter the narrative surrounding her leadership, or will the relentless stream of resignations continue to shadow her and her husband’s public persona?
With each new resignation, the scrutiny on Meghan and Harry seems to intensify.
The couple’s once-glamorous image is increasingly marred by stories of discontent among their staff, raising doubts about their future endeavors.
