In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have seen their newly appointed chief of staff, Josh Kettler, leave his position just three months into the role.
Reports indicate that his departure stemmed from a significant disagreement with Meghan regarding the budget for their upcoming quasi-royal tour of Colombia.
This trip is particularly noteworthy as it marks the couple’s first major international engagement since stepping back from their royal duties.
Kettler’s exit raises eyebrows, especially considering the timing, with the Colombia tour just around the corner.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Meghan’s keen eye for detail regarding expenditures led to friction between her and Kettler, who was brought on board to help navigate this new chapter for the Sussexes.
His background includes stints at well-regarded companies like Patagonia and Cognition, which made him a promising candidate for the role.
Interestingly, Kettler was hired on a trial basis, and it seems both he and the Sussexes mutually agreed that he wasn’t the right fit.
The abrupt nature of his departure, mere days before such a high-profile trip, has left many questioning how the couple will manage without a dedicated chief of staff during their travels.
This latest development adds to a troubling trend for the Sussexes, who have experienced a notable turnover of staff since establishing their Archwell organization in 2020.
A former employee expressed concerns about the high rate of departures, stating that many ex-staff members wouldn’t consider returning if given the chance.
This sentiment highlights potential issues within the Sussex working environment, particularly given that many of these individuals had previously thrived under demanding leadership in other high-performance settings.
As they prepare for their Colombian adventure, the Sussexes are set to visit key locations such as Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali.
This tour aims to connect them with leaders, youth, and women who are pivotal to Colombia’s progress.
However, the underlying tension over budget control may overshadow their objectives.
Meghan has always been known for her dedication and meticulous approach to her charitable causes, but this same intensity appears to have created friction with her team.
Moreover, this tour holds additional significance, as it represents their first major foray into international engagements since distancing themselves from royal responsibilities.
The couple no longer enjoys the same level of security and support that came with their previous roles, adding another layer of complexity to their endeavors.
The decision to undertake this quasi-royal tour has not gone unnoticed, drawing criticism from various quarters.
A friend of Prince William suggested that Harry should take the opportunity to apologize for past drug use during his time in Colombia, further complicating the couple’s public image.
Such external pressures could exacerbate any existing tensions within their inner circle.
As the Sussexes gear up for their Colombian tour, the implications of Kettler’s departure loom large.
The controversy surrounding the budget and Meghan’s apparent clash with her chief of staff has intensified scrutiny on the couple’s every move.
With the eyes of the world watching, the stakes have never been higher for Harry and Meghan as they attempt to navigate their new reality.
The upcoming trip could either bolster their standing or further entrench the challenges they face.
As they step into this new phase, it remains to be seen how they will handle the pressures of public life while maintaining their commitment to their causes.
The departure of a key team member just days before such a significant engagement adds an unexpected twist to their journey.
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