According to the Daily Mail, Kettler’s resignation was announced unexpectedly, just days before the Sussexes’ planned trip to Colombia. Initially, the cause of his exit was unclear, with little information provided beyond the fact that he was no longer working for the couple. This lack of transparency led to speculation that Kettler’s departure might be linked to allegations of Meghan Markle’s purported bullying behavior towards staff.
However, Meghan and Harry soon offered their own explanation. People magazine, known for its close ties with the Sussexes' PR team, reported that Kettler’s departure resulted from a mutual agreement. The magazine stated that Kettler had been hired on a trial basis and that both parties determined after three months that it wasn’t a good fit.
This explanation has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that the Sussexes' account doesn’t quite add up. Richard Eden, an editor at the Daily Mail, has expressed doubts, suggesting that Kettler’s role, as described, would not typically be completed in just three months. Eden notes that Kettler was initially portrayed as a key figure in guiding Harry through a significant phase, including involvement in various projects. The sudden end of his tenure seems inconsistent with the extensive planning and support such a role would usually require.
Adding to the confusion, some observers believe Meghan and Harry's explanation might be an attempt to downplay or obscure the real reasons behind Kettler’s departure. The abrupt transition from depicting Kettler as a crucial player in Harry’s professional development to framing his exit as a mutual decision on a trial basis has led to accusations of misrepresentation.
The timing of the announcement is also problematic. Just three months ago, Kettler was highlighted with much fanfare as an essential part of the Sussexes' team. His sudden departure raises questions about the stability and internal dynamics of their team. Eden’s critique is echoed by other commentators, such as Tribes Britannia, who have labeled the official explanation as misleading. They argue that the narrative of a trial basis and mutual agreement is a convenient cover for more complex underlying issues.
Adding to the intrigue, a former staff member of Harry and Meghan Markle has weighed in following Kettler’s resignation. The former employee claimed that no current or former staff member would want to return, even if given the chance. “What may be most telling is that the entire time I worked there, I don’t think I heard a single current or former employee say they would take the job again if given the chance,” the former staff member told the Daily Mail. “These aren’t employees they just found off the streets. Many of them are people who previously excelled in demanding and high-performance environments.”
The saga surrounding Josh Kettler’s departure continues to attract attention and fuel speculation. The discrepancies in the official narrative have led many to believe that there is more to this story than what has been publicly revealed.
