Not Another! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s New Chief of Staff ‘Steps Down After Just Three Months’ Ahead of Their ‘Quasi-Royal Tour’ of Colombia

When the Duke of Sussex appointed Josh Kettler as his Chief of Staff earlier this year, he was said to be the perfect man to ‘steer Harry through his next phase’.

However, the Daily Mail has learned that Kettler suddenly quit his job after just three months, amid widespread interest.

“Josh Kettler no longer works for them,” a source in California told this newspaper today.

The timing is a further blow for Harry and his wife Meghan, as Mr Kettler had been expected to join them on their “quasi-royal tour” of Colombia, which kicks off this week.

In May, Mr Kettler accompanied Harry on his visit to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the sporting event the Prince founded for wounded and sick servicemen.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visiting Nigeria in May. Josh Kettler was a key figure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day ‘tour’ of Nigeria and was at Harry’s side as he met government officials in the West African country

Mr Kettler (pictured) has stepped down from his role as chief of staff to Prince Harry after just three months in the role amid much intrigue

Prince Harry and Meghan with Mr Kettler (circled) at their side. His role during the visit is said to be a foretaste of what he would achieve in the future

Mr Kettler was seen entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the Jubilee service, which was attended by Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer, but no other members of the Royal Family.

Later that month, Mr Kettler was a key figure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day ‘tour’ of Nigeria, standing by Harry’s side as he met government officials in the West African country. His role during the visit was said to be a foretaste of what he would achieve in the future.

Mr Kettler’s short tenure in the role underscores the difficulties the Duke and Duchess have faced in retaining staff.

The total number of people the Sussexes have lost since their marriage in 2018 is said to be at least 18. Since moving to California in 2020, nine or more have left.

Yesterday, a former staff member told the Daily Mail: ‘What is perhaps most telling is that in the entire time I worked there, I never heard a single current or former employee say that they would take the job again if given the chance.

‘These are not workers who were just picked up off the street.

“Many of them are people who have a history of performing under demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments.” Mr Kettler, who is thought to be American, previously worked at Cognixion, a medical device manufacturer.

The Daily Mail Diary reported in April that the Duchess of Sussex had failed to find a CEO for her new cooking and lifestyle company, American Riviera Orchard, despite interviewing several candidates.

Meghan hopes the brand, which focuses on home, garden, food and lifestyle items, will be very lucrative. On Thursday, Harry and Meghan begin their four-day tour of crime-ridden Colombia.

Mr Kettler was seen entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the Jubilee service, which was attended by figures including Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer, but no other members of the Royal Family (pictured Harry at St Paul’s in May)

Harry and Meghan on their wedding day. The total number of staff the Sussexes have lost since their marriage in 2018 is said to be at least 18, with nine or more leaving since they moved to California in 2020

Harry has claimed Britain is too dangerous to visit with his wife and two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, following the withdrawal of his taxpayer-funded security after the couple decided to give up their royal duties

A former staff member told the Daily Mail yesterday: ‘What is perhaps most telling is that the entire time I worked there, I don’t think I heard a single current or former employee in their team say they would take the job again if given the chance.’

They visit the capital Bogota, the historic colonial city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast and Cali, where they attend a cultural festival.

The pair, who come at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez, say they have “the exceptional opportunity to connect with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians… and highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”

Harry has claimed Britain is too dangerous to visit with his wife and two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, after his taxpayer-funded security was withdrawn following the couple’s decision to step down from royal duties.

A spokesman for the duke was asked for comment.

The Daily Mail Diary reported in April that the Duchess of Sussex had failed to find a CEO for her new cooking and lifestyle company, American Riviera Orchard, despite interviewing several candidates.

On Thursday, Harry and Meghan begin their four-day tour of crime-ridden Colombia, visiting the capital Bogota, the historic colonial city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast and Cali, where they will attend a cultural festival

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travel to Colombia at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez (pictured)