Why it matters: The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 18th staff member since 2018 has reignited concerns about their management style and ability to maintain a stable team, potentially impacting their public image and future projects.

The big picture: The Sussexes' latest staffing change comes at a crucial time as they attempt to rebuild their brand through international tours and business ventures, raising questions about the sustainability of their current operational model.

Key details:

  • Josh Kettler, Prince Harry's chief-of-staff, left his role after only three months, just before the couple's tour to Colombia.
  • Kettler's departure marks the 18th staff member to leave the Sussexes' employment since 2018.
  • The timing of the exit, right before a high-profile tour, has been described as "terrible" by insiders.
  • Sources claim this latest staffing change has been a "humiliating and demoralising blow" for the couple.

Behind the scenes:

  • A source told Closer Magazine that Meghan is "secretly feeling quite abandoned after this keeps happening."
  • The couple is reportedly struggling to find a CEO for Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand.
  • Insiders describe Harry and Meghan as "the toughest of taskmasters" who are "very demanding and difficult to work for."

Context of past departures:

  • In late 2018, Meghan's personal assistant Melissa Toubati quit after reportedly being "reduced to tears" by the Duchess's demands.
  • Samantha Cohen, a seasoned royal aide, resigned after likening working for the couple to "managing teenagers."
  • Senior communications secretary Jason Knauf left amid unsubstantiated bullying complaints against Meghan.
  • Fifteen Palace staff were fired when the Sussexes stepped down from royal life.
  • Sarah Latham, their highly regarded PR chief, left after the couple quit the UK in 2020.

Defender's perspective:

  • Meghan's friend and make-up artist, Daniel Martin, has defended her, stating she has "never had a diva fit."
  • Close friend Janina Gavankar tweeted in support of Meghan, describing her as "kind, strong, open" and not a bully.
  • Lindsay Jill Roth, who had Meghan as her maid of honor, said "goodwill runs in her bones."

What they're saying:

  • A former staffer: "The entire time I worked there, I don't think I heard a single current or former employee on their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance."
  • Royal author Tom Bower has referred to former staff as the 'Sussex Survivors Club.'
  • An insider on the royal family's perspective: "The consensus is that Harry and Meghan are reaping what they've sewn for themselves, and it's a classic case of karma catching up with them."

Recent setbacks:

  • Meghan's Netflix cookery show has been delayed until next year due to copyright issues.
  • The couple's recent tour to Colombia was overshadowed by the news of Kettler's departure.

What's next:

  • The Sussexes will need to address their staffing issues to maintain stability in their operations.
  • The success of Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand may depend on finding suitable leadership.
  • Future public appearances and projects will be closely watched for signs of organizational improvement.

The bottom line: The ongoing staffing crisis poses a significant challenge to the Sussexes' efforts to establish themselves as global influencers and philanthropists. Their ability to retain key personnel and create a positive work environment will be crucial for the success of their future endeavors and public image rehabilitation.

Sources spoke to The SUN US and Closer magazine.