Prince Harry’s chief of staff Josh Kettler breaks silence month after exit

Josh Kettler, Prince Harry’s former chief of staff, has finally spoken out about his brief tenure with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. His departure last month, after only three months on the job, sent waves through the media, reigniting old controversies about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s treatment of their staff. With Kettler’s exit, the focus quickly shifted back to allegations of bullying that had previously surfaced during the couple’s time as senior working royals.

Kettler’s resignation marked the departure of the 18th high-level employee from the Sussexes’ inner circle, drawing even more attention to the claims of a challenging work environment. The timing was particularly sensitive, as Harry and Meghan were gearing up for a significant tour in Colombia that required precise coordination and security detail—something Kettler was expected to oversee.

The Hollywood Reporter fanned the flames by publishing a damning report about Meghan’s alleged behavior towards her staff. The article labeled her as a “dictator in high heels” who had “belittled” people, reducing “grown men to tears.” These accusations echoed previous reports from their time in the royal family, where former staff members had also spoken about feeling mistreated.

For weeks, there was speculation but no word from Kettler himself—until now.

Breaking his silence in an interview with Us Weekly, Kettler painted a very different picture of his experience working for the Sussexes. “I was warmly welcomed by both Harry and Meghan, and the Archewell team during my stint,” he said, adding, “They are dedicated and hardworking. It was impressive to witness.” Despite his praise, Kettler avoided discussing the reasons behind his sudden exit from the role.

The lack of clarity has only fueled more questions. While Kettler’s statement offers a positive glimpse of life inside Archewell, it doesn’t shed much light on why he left so quickly. At the time of his departure, sources close to the couple told People Magazine that Kettler had been hired “on a trial basis” and that the decision to part ways was “mutual.” Both sides reportedly agreed it “wasn’t the right fit.”

Still, with Kettler’s departure being just one in a long line of high-profile exits, the broader narrative of workplace culture under Harry and Meghan remains a hot topic. The couple has long denied the bullying allegations, and their supporters argue that the negative press is merely another example of the intense scrutiny they’ve faced since stepping back from royal duties.

Yet, Kettler’s short stint has only added to the growing list of questions about what it’s really like to work for the Duke and Duchess. While Kettler’s recent comments provide a glimpse of the couple’s commitment to their work, the mystery surrounding his departure—and those of many before him—continues to swirl, leaving the public to wonder whether the Sussexes’ reputation for a difficult work environment is exaggerated or rooted in something more.

For now, as Harry and Meghan continue their various philanthropic endeavors through Archewell, the couple remains at the center of media attention, with every move and staff change scrutinized as closely as ever.