A new chapter has unfolded with the abrupt resignation of Josh Kettler, Prince Harry's Chief of Staff. Kettler's departure, after a mere three months on the job, has once again brought attention to the alleged toxic work environment reportedly cultivated by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Kettler's resignation adds him to the growing list of former employees who are now part of what has been dubbed the "Sussex Survivors Club," a term used to describe the steady stream of staff members who have left their employment with the Sussexes, often citing Meghan's aggressive management style and uncompromising demands as the reasons for their departure.
Kettler's role was specifically designed to support Prince Harry, but the decision to part ways was described as mutual. The former Chief of Staff realized that the position was not for him after certain aspects of the job made him uncomfortable. This latest development is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to staffing issues faced by the Sussexes. Prior to Kettler's resignation, several high-profile hires had already left, including Toya Holness, their global press secretary, and Christine V. Shermer, a former Pinterest communications director who quit as the Sussexes' PR head in 2021.
The "Sussex Survivors Club" also includes Samantha Cohen, Meghan's top aide and private secretary, as well as Keleigh Thomas Morgan, a Sunshine Sachs partner who represented Meghan even before she became a royal. The common thread among these departures seems to be Meghan's alleged tendency to belittle staff, refuse advice, and frequently change her mind. This pattern has reportedly earned her the nickname "Duchess Difficult." One source close to the couple has even claimed that "everyone’s terrified of Meghan," describing her as a "dictator in high heels," known for fuming and barking orders, and reducing grown men to tears.
These allegations of Meghan's mistreatment of her staff are not new. In 2018, a formal complaint was filed against her by Jason Knauf, the couple's then-communications secretary, expressing concerns about Meghan's behavior towards two of her personal assistants. While the findings of Buckingham Palace’s investigation into the matter have never been made public, the existence of such a complaint has only reinforced the narrative of Meghan as a demanding and difficult boss.
In contrast, Prince Harry has often been portrayed as a more considerate and thoughtful leader. For instance, a contractor who worked at his wedding recalled how Harry helped set up one of the bars in a marquee before the event. This disparity in the public perception of the two Sussexes has added to the growing sense of unease surrounding Meghan’s management style and its effect on their staff.
The departure of Kettler, who was specifically hired to support Prince Harry, is particularly jarring, as Harry is typically seen as the more approachable and empathetic half of the couple. A Sussex spokesperson has declined to comment on the matter, but the ongoing exodus of their employees continues to fuel the narrative of a toxic work environment, allegedly driven by Meghan's bullying and uncompromising behavior.
As the "Sussex Survivors Club" continues to grow, one question lingers: Can the Duchess of Sussex ever overcome the reputation she has cultivated, or will the steady stream of departures continue to haunt her and her husband’s public image?
