When Kettler was appointed, he was seen as the ideal candidate to guide Prince Harry through his next phase, a role that seemed crucial given the couple's high-profile engagements. Despite these high expectations, Kettler’s tenure was short-lived. A spokesperson for the Sussexes chose not to comment on his resignation, but an anonymous source told People magazine that Kettler was hired on a trial basis and that his departure was a mutual decision, suggesting that it simply wasn't the right fit for either party. This explanation has been met with skepticism.
Richard Eden of the Daily Mail has highlighted the irony in the Sussexes' situation, noting that Harry and Meghan had previously criticized the use of anonymous briefings, condemning them as relics of the sinister Palace methods they sought to distance themselves from. Eden argues that the use of such briefings now appears disingenuous, particularly in light of the Sussexes’ public commitment to transparency. He further criticizes the trial basis claims, suggesting that Kettler's role was no more temporary than other appointments made by the Sussexes.
The importance of Kettler’s role was evident during Harry and Meghan’s tour of Nigeria in May, where he was seen consistently by Harry’s side. His involvement was also noted at St. Paul’s Cathedral during the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service. The term “mutual” used to describe Kettler’s departure is another point of contention. Eden observes that the Sussexes had previously used the same term to describe their split with Spotify, raising questions about the consistency and authenticity of their explanations. A source close to Kettler reportedly stated that he found the job uncomfortable and preferred to leave rather than continue in an unenjoyable position.
Adding to the controversy surrounding Kettler’s exit are recent explosive allegations involving Meghan Markle. Rumors suggest that Meghan may have orchestrated a staged kidnapping during their visit to Colombia. According to sources, the purported aim of this dramatic incident would be to leverage the situation to secure continued UK taxpayer-funded security for the Sussexes. This allegation comes amid Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the UK government over his personal security detail. Harry has argued that it’s unsafe for him and his family to return to the UK without this protection. If the kidnapping plot rumors are true, they would further complicate the Sussexes' already contentious relationship with the British public and authorities, casting doubt on the genuineness of their security concerns.
The timing of Kettler’s resignation, just before the Colombia trip, has fueled speculation. Some suggest that Kettler might have had knowledge of the alleged kidnapping plot and chose to distance himself from the controversy. The intertwining issues of staffing instability and the alleged kidnapping plot have added a new layer of drama to the public narrative, with Kettler joining the ranks of the so-called Sussex Survivors Squad—former staff who found freedom by leaving the Sussexes' employment. The couple’s future endeavors and their impact on their public image remain under intense scrutiny.
