King Charles III is under renewed examination following the resignation of 11 out of 12 gardeners at his Highgrove estate. The staff cited overwhelming workloads and inadequate pay as reasons for their departure. Meanwhile, supporters of the king are defending him against accusations of unreasonable demands, offering a different viewpoint on the matter that has captured media attention.
The resignations came after a 2023 investigation by the King’s Foundation, which manages the estate. The inquiry confirmed claims of insufficient staffing and poor management, with employees pointing to low wages and declining morale. A particularly damaging allegation involved a gardener who was reportedly dismissed for lacking knowledge about a specific flower, leading to a loss of trust from King Charles.
One report claimed the king remarked about the dismissed worker: “Don’t put that man in front of me again.” This alleged statement has contributed to perceptions that the 76-year-old monarch is increasingly challenging to work with.
However, those close to the king have offered a different account, suggesting that the narrative lacks context. Sources indicate that the king had requested the removal of ragwort weed from the gardens, a task he could not address himself because of the area’s inaccessibility. Insiders described the request as reasonable, noting ragwort’s status as an invasive and harmful weed.
A source aware of the situation suggested that Charles was not intentionally harsh but was frustrated with a straightforward maintenance matter. His friends emphasized that the king’s connection to the gardens is deeply personal.
Associates have revealed that Charles views the gardens as a key part of his legacy, a significance heightened by his ongoing cancer treatment. The health issues have affected his energy and limited his visits to the estate, according to those close to him.
Despite the disputes, Highgrove has been financially successful, generating over $8 million in the last fiscal year. Yet, reports indicate that the gardens continue to operate with limited resources.
The investigation, conducted by WorkNest, confirmed staffing and management difficulties, highlighting low pay as a challenge for hiring and retaining skilled gardeners. Nevertheless, some former employees who worked closely with the king have challenged these findings.
Jack Stooks, a former senior gardener at Highgrove, disputed claims of Charles being directly responsible for the issues. Stooks argued that while the king oversees the King’s Foundation, the foundation itself manages the garden operations.
Stooks suggested that if management issues exist, they should be attributed to the foundation’s leadership. He expressed confidence that the king would address any identified concerns now that they have been highlighted by the investigation.
This situation arises during a challenging time for Charles, who is balancing royal duties with cancer treatment. Friends have voiced concerns over his workload, a sentiment reportedly shared by Queen Camilla. The recent negative publicity has added to the king’s stress as he navigates his health challenges.
Highgrove, which Charles acquired in 1980, has been central to his environmental and gardening pursuits. The estate serves as a private retreat and a platform for sustainable practices aligning with his environmental advocacy.
