When the Duke of Sussex appointed Josh Kettler as his grandly titled chief of staff earlier this year, he was said to be the perfect man to “guide” Harry “through his next stage”.
However, the Daily Mail has learned that Mr Kettler has suddenly quit his job after just three months amid much intrigue.
“Josh Kettler no longer works for them,” a California source told this newspaper today.
The timing is a particular blow for Harry and his wife Meghan, as Kettler had been expected to accompany them on their “quasi-royal tour” of Colombia, which begins this week.
In May, Mr Kettler joined Harry on a visit to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the sporting event the prince created for wounded and sick military personnel.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Nigeria in May. Josh Kettler was a key figure in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day tour of Nigeria and was at Harry’s side when he met with government officials in the West African country.
Mr Kettler (pictured) resigned as Prince Harry’s chief of staff after just three months in the job amid much intrigue.
Prince Harry and Meghan with Mr Kettler (circled) at their side. His role in the visit was 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 anniversary service, which was attended by figures including Harry’s uncle Earl Spencer but no other members of the Royal Family.
Later that month, Kettler was a key figure in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day “tour” of Nigeria and was at Harry’s side when he met government officials in the West African country. Her role in the visit was said to be a preview of what she would achieve in the future.
Mr Kettler’s short time in office highlights the difficulties the Duke and Duchess have had in retaining staff.
The total number of members the Sussexes have lost since tying the knot in 2018 is said to be at least 18, with nine or more leaving since they moved to California in 2020.
A former staff member told the Daily Mail yesterday: “What may be most telling is that in all the time I worked there, I don’t think I ever heard any current or former employee of their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance.
‘These are not employees they just found on the street.
“Many of them are people who had already excelled working for demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments.” Kettler, believed to be American, had previously worked for Cognixion, a medical equipment manufacturer.
The Daily Mail reported in April that the Duchess of Sussex had failed to find a chief executive for her new cooking and lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard, despite interviewing several candidates.
Meghan is said to be hoping the brand, which will focus on home, garden, food and lifestyle items, will be highly lucrative. On Thursday, Harry and Meghan will begin a four-day tour of crime-ravaged Colombia.
Mr Kettler was seen entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the anniversary 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 they married 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 for him to visit with his wife and two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, after his taxpayer-funded security was pulled following the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties.
A former staff member told the Daily Mail yesterday: “What may be most telling is that in all the time I worked there, I don’t think I ever heard any current or former employee of their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance.”
They will visit the capital Bogotá, the historic colonial city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast and Cali, where they will attend a cultural festival.
Arriving at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, the couple, he says, “will have the exceptional opportunity to interact with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians… and to illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”
Harry has claimed Britain is too dangerous for him to visit with his wife and two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, after his taxpayer-funded security was pulled following the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties.
A spokesman for the duke has been contacted for comment.
The Daily Mail reported in April that the Duchess of Sussex had failed to find a chief executive for her new cooking and lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard, despite interviewing several candidates.
On Thursday, Harry and Meghan will begin their four-day tour of crime-ravaged Colombia. They will visit 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 will travel to Colombia at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez (pictured)
