The News
Josh Kettler Resigns: The Sussex Survivors Club Grows
A significant shift has occurred in the world of the Sussexes with the unexpected resignation of Josh Kettler, who served as Prince Harry's chief of staff.
After just three months in this role, Kettler's departure has reignited discussions about the alleged toxic atmosphere surrounding Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
His exit adds another name to what has become known as the “Sussex Survivors Club,” a term that highlights the increasing number of former employees who have left the couple's employ, often citing Meghan's demanding management style as a key factor.
Kettler's position was designed specifically to assist Prince Harry, but it appears he quickly realized that the role wasn't the right fit for him.
Reports suggest that certain aspects of the job made him uncomfortable, leading to a mutual decision to part ways.
This incident is merely a glimpse into the ongoing staffing issues faced by the Sussexes, which have plagued them since they stepped back from royal duties.
Before Kettler's resignation, the couple had already experienced several high-profile exits, including Toyah Holness, their global press secretary, and Christine Vile-Shermer, who resigned as the head of Sussex PR in 2021 after previously working at Pinterest.
The growing list of former employees also features Samantha Cohen, Markle's former top aide, and Kelly Thomas Morgan, a partner at Sunshine Sachs who represented Meghan prior to her royal life.
A common theme among these departures points to Meghan's alleged tendency to belittle her staff and disregard their advice.
This pattern has led to her being dubbed the “Duchess Difficult” within her own circles.
One insider has even described Meghan as a “dictator in high heels,” claiming that her management style has left many employees feeling intimidated, with some reportedly reduced to tears.
These claims of mistreatment are not new.
Back in 2018, Jason Nath, then communications secretary for the couple, filed a complaint regarding Meghan's alleged bullying behavior towards her personal assistants.
Although Buckingham Palace never publicly disclosed the findings of the subsequent investigation, the existence of such a complaint only strengthens the narrative of Meghan as a challenging and uncompromising figure in the workplace.
In contrast, Prince Harry has often been portrayed as more compassionate and understanding.
A contractor who worked at his wedding recalled how the Duke took the initiative to help set up one of the bars before the big day.
This difference in public perception between the two has fueled growing concerns about Meghan's management style and its effects on their team.
Kettler's departure is particularly striking, considering he was brought in to support Prince Harry, who is generally viewed as the more approachable member of the couple.
The Sussex spokesperson has opted not to comment on Kettler's resignation, but the ongoing trend of employee exits continues to paint a troubling picture of a work environment that many describe as toxic.
As the ranks of the Sussex Survivors Club swell, the pressing question looms: Can Meghan Markle shed the negative reputation she has garnered, or will the relentless flow of staff departures persist, casting a shadow over her and Prince Harry's public image?
This ongoing saga raises significant concerns about the couple's ability to maintain a stable and supportive working environment moving forward.
The future remains uncertain as the scrutiny around their professional relationships intensifies.