PRINCE Harry and Meghan’s new chief of staff has left, just days before their ‘fake royal tour’ in Colombia.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are flying to Colombia on Thursday for a highly controversial visit after being invited by the country’s Vice President Francia Márquez.

Josh Kettler has stepped down from his role as chief of staff to the Duke and Duchess of SussexPhoto: Getty

Harry and Meghan during their visit to Nigeria in May

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Los AngelesPhoto: Getty
Harry and Meghan’s latest tour is said to include trips to the capital Bogotá and the Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

But with just days to go, Josh Kettler is stepping down as chief of staff after just three months, a source told The Sun.

Mr. Kettler, an experienced public relations professional, was at Prince Harry on his recent and rare visit to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He was photographed entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the ceremony, which was attended by a number of notable figures, including Harry’s uncle and Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, but no other members of the royal family were present.

Mr Kettler also played a key role during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day ‘tour’ of Nigeria, and stood by Harry when he met with government officials.

Mr. Kettler was appointed only a few months ago and was reportedly hired to “guide him through his next phase”, but abandoned the Prince for a major international visit.

It is known that Mr. Kettler’s departure had nothing to do with the trip to Colombia.

Mr Kettler’s short tenure in the role underscores the difficulties the Duke and Duchess have faced in retaining staff.

Kettler joins a long line of prestigious quitters, following Bennett Levine, head of Sussex television company Archewell Productions, who stepped down earlier this year, and Oscar-nominated producer Ben Browning, who stepped down as head of internal content at the company in January last year.
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The total number of people the Sussexes have lost since their marriage in 2018 is said to be at least 18. Since moving to California in 2020, nine or more have left.

The pair want to “experience Colombia’s rich heritage” on a trip described as a “mock royal” tour.

And the vice president even said she is “confident” that the Sussexes’ visit will “highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”

Ahead of the planned trip to Colombia, Francia Márquez said: “I am delighted to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

“During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will accompany me on a visit to Bogotá, as well as to the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the unique opportunity to connect with leaders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.

“Their visit comes at a particularly important time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children, to be held in Colombia in November.

“The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is known for its global leadership in creating a safer online environment.

“The upcoming conference will present a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health.

“It will provide actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world.”

Last month, Dominic Reid, chief executive of Prince Harry’s charity, resigned as chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation.

Dominic’s resignation came just days after Harry was criticized for choosing to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS.

The Duke, who founded the Paralympic-style sporting competition in 2014, thanked Dominic for his “dedication and leadership” in a heartfelt letter on Friday.