Josh Kettler departs from his role as Prince Harry’s chief of staff before the Sussexes’ Colombia trip, citing a mutual decision that the role was not the right fit

Prince Harry’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, has stepped down from his position after just three months on the job. Hired in May, Kettler’s departure comes just days before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on a working trip to Colombia. The decision to part ways was reportedly mutual, with both parties agreeing that the role was not the right fit for Kettler.

Kettler, who previously served as chief of staff at the communication platform Cognixion, was brought on board to help guide Prince Harry through the “next phase” of his professional and personal ventures. Despite the high-profile nature of the role, it was understood from the outset that Kettler’s appointment was on a trial basis. His tenure included accompanying Prince Harry to London in May for the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

This resignation is the latest in a series of staff changes within the Sussexes’ team as they continue to expand their charitable and production efforts in the United States. Earlier this year, Bennett Levine, the manager of Archewell Productions, left to join Cinetic Media, a U.S. film financing and distribution company. Additionally, several other key figures have departed in recent months, including Fara Taylor, who oversaw Archewell’s marketing team, and Ben Browning, an Oscar-nominated producer who served as head of internal content.

Rebecca Sananes, head of audio at Archewell, left in December 2022 after an 18-month stint, during which she produced Meghan’s Spotify podcast Archetypes. Similarly, Mandana Dayani stepped down after a year and a half as president of Archewell, which also functions as the couple’s charitable foundation. Meanwhile, Meghan is reportedly still in search of a chief executive officer for her cooking and lifestyle venture, American Riviera Orchard.

The timing of Kettler’s departure coincides with Prince Harry and Meghan’s upcoming four-day tour of Colombia. The trip, which begins on Thursday, comes at the invitation of the country’s vice president, Francia Márquez. The couple is scheduled to visit Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali, where they will participate in a cultural festival and engage with local leaders, youth, and women. Márquez, a prominent lawyer and activist, stated that the visit will offer the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.”

This tour marks the couple’s second international trip of the year, following their visit to Nigeria in May.

Analysis:

Political:
The resignation of Josh Kettler, Prince Harry’s chief of staff, after such a short tenure, could reflect deeper challenges within the Sussexes’ organization. As Harry and Meghan continue to establish their roles on the global stage, particularly through their charitable foundation Archewell, the stability of their internal team is crucial. The frequent staff changes may raise questions about the leadership and strategic direction of their ventures, especially as they continue to engage in high-profile international activities. Politically, their upcoming tour of Colombia underscores the couple’s ongoing commitment to global advocacy, particularly in regions with emerging markets and socio-political challenges. Their focus on youth, women, and social justice aligns with their broader mission, but consistent leadership within their team is necessary to maintain and amplify their influence.

Social:
Socially, the high turnover within the Sussexes’ staff highlights the challenges of managing a celebrity-driven organization that operates under intense public scrutiny. The departure of key personnel, especially those in leadership roles, can disrupt the continuity and effectiveness of their projects. For the public and their supporters, these changes may create a perception of instability or disorganization, which could impact the couple’s ability to maintain public trust and engagement. On the other hand, their upcoming trip to Colombia presents an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to social causes and to connect with communities that reflect their values of equality, justice, and environmental stewardship. This tour, particularly their engagement with Colombian youth and women, can help solidify their image as global advocates for change.

Racial:
Prince Harry and Meghan’s focus on global issues often intersects with racial dynamics, both in the causes they champion and in the public’s perception of their work. The couple has been vocal about their commitment to racial justice, a theme that is likely to be prominent during their Colombia tour, given the country’s diverse population and complex history with race and inequality. The departure of Kettler, a high-level staff member, could also be seen through the lens of representation and the need for diverse voices within their team. Ensuring that their leadership and staff reflect the diversity of the communities they aim to serve could enhance their credibility and effectiveness in addressing issues related to race and social justice.

Gender:
Gender dynamics play a significant role in the Sussexes’ work, particularly in Meghan’s advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. The Colombia tour, with its emphasis on engaging with women leaders and activists, aligns with this focus. However, the turnover in their team, particularly in leadership roles, may also highlight the challenges women face in maintaining long-term leadership positions in high-pressure environments. Meghan’s ongoing search for a CEO for her lifestyle brand could be seen as an opportunity to bring in a leader who can help stabilize and grow their ventures. Moreover, the couple’s engagement with gender issues during their Colombia tour will be closely watched, as it provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of women in a region where gender inequality remains a significant issue.

Economic:
From an economic perspective, the frequent changes in the Sussexes’ team could have implications for the financial stability and growth of their ventures. Consistent leadership is vital for maintaining investor confidence, securing funding, and ensuring the smooth operation of their various projects, including Archewell and Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard. The departure of a chief of staff, who was expected to guide Prince Harry through the “next phase” of his career, may lead to a temporary setback in their strategic planning and execution. However, their high-profile tour of Colombia could help offset any negative perceptions by generating positive media coverage and reinforcing their commitment to impactful global initiatives. The economic impact of their work, particularly in terms of charitable contributions and social investments in the regions they visit, could also bolster their reputation as serious players in the global philanthropic landscape.