The Duke and Duchess of Sussex find themselves at the center of controversy once again as their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, abruptly departs after a mere three months on the job.
This latest staffing shake-up has royal watchers and experts buzzing about what might be going on behind the scenes in the Sussex household.
Kettler, a seasoned PR professional, was brought on board just before Harry and Meghan’s high-profile trip to Nigeria in May.
Sources close to the couple claim the hiring was on a “trial basis” and that the parting of ways was mutual.
But given the short tenure and the timing – right before an upcoming visit to Colombia – many are left wondering if there’s more to the story.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen staff turnover in the Sussex camp.
In fact, it’s becoming something of a pattern.
British broadcaster Helena Chard points out, “Eighteen members of their staff have departed their team.”
That’s a staggering number, especially when compared to the relative stability of other royal households.
So, what’s going on? Are Harry and Meghan difficult to work for, or is there something else at play?
Chard suggests, “I can only believe that Harry and Meghan are tricky customers and make it near impossible for their staff to excel in their roles.”
It’s a harsh assessment, but one that seems to be gaining traction among royal observers.
The contrast with other members of the royal family is stark.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, for instance, have a reputation for maintaining long-standing relationships with their staff.
“They steer a tight ship, and are very focused, workwise,” Chard notes.
“This filters into their employees’ support and work ethic.”
But let’s not forget the unique position Harry and Meghan find themselves in.
They’ve stepped away from royal duties, moved to California, and are trying to forge their own path.
It’s uncharted territory, and that comes with its own set of challenges.
Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” offers a more sympathetic take: “Working for Harry and Meghan… is a whole different ballgame.
“The personalities involved are very strong. It may take a while for Harry and Meghan to find someone who is just the right fit for what is a very demanding job.”
Still, the pattern is hard to ignore.
The U.S. Sun reports that nine staff members have left since the couple’s move to California in 2020.
That’s a lot of turnover in a short amount of time.
Some former palace staff have even coined the term “Sussex Survivors Club” to describe themselves.
It’s a telling moniker that hints at the challenges of working for the couple.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, suggests the problem might lie in unrealistic expectations: “If Harry and Meghan expect excessive hours or place unrealistic demands on employees, it will likely lead to burnout and cause people to exit.”
There’s also the lingering shadow of bullying allegations against Meghan, which came to light just before the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
While Meghan’s team has vehemently denied these claims, they’ve undoubtedly contributed to the narrative of a difficult work environment.
As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their post-royal lives, the question remains: can they build a stable, effective team to support their ambitions?
Or will the revolving door of staff continue to spin, casting doubt on their leadership and vision?
One thing’s for certain – the world will be watching closely as the Sussexes move forward.
Their ability to build and maintain a strong team may well be the key to their success in their new ventures.
Only time will tell if they can steady the ship and silence the critics.
