Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to have a hard time keeping their staff happy and satisfied. With the recent departure of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, after just three months, it marks the 18th member of staff to quit working for them. Many have struggled to meet the demands of their roles and have either walked away or been pushed out.
The revolving door of aides in Harry and Meghan’s team has been a cause for concern. Even their chief aide, Josh Kettler, who was praised on his arrival, decided that the job was not the right fit for him. This departure comes just before the couple’s planned tour to Colombia, adding to the challenges they face in managing their public image and charitable endeavors since stepping back from royal duties.
It’s not the first time key staff members have left the Sussexes. In fact, a total of 18 staff members have quit working for them in just a few years, with nine leaving since they moved to Montecito, California. Former Palace staff who have worked for the couple have even coined themselves the “Sussex Survivors’ Club” after leaving their positions.
The challenges faced by the couple in retaining staff seem to stem from their demanding expectations and high standards. Past employees have reported feeling overwhelmed and pushed to their limits by the couple’s demands. From personal assistants to communications secretaries, the list of departures continues to grow.
After the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, allegations of Meghan bullying Buckingham Palace staff emerged, leading to an internal investigation. The results of the investigation were never made public, leaving many questions unanswered.
In California, the pattern of staff turnover continues, with key members leaving their positions after short tenures. The demands placed on staff, such as holding meetings in Montecito instead of Los Angeles, have made it challenging to retain a dedicated team.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their roles outside of the Royal Family, the struggle to maintain a stable and satisfied team remains a significant obstacle. Despite their clear vision and goals, the reality of achieving them seems to be more challenging than anticipated. The couple’s reputation as tough task-masters continues to grow as more staff members depart from their team.