King Charles, an avid gardener, is facing criticism regarding the working conditions for staff at his private residence, Highgrove House. Recent reports from The Times bring to light the struggles of royal gardeners, who allege that the environment in which they work is inadequate and often disappointing due to the King’s high expectations.
The article suggests that King Charles is heavily involved in garden management, overseeing minute details such as fruit sizes and flower shading. His method of communication with staff reportedly includes detailed memos written in thick red ink, indicating his specific preferences and signifying his disappointment when things do not meet his standards. Such memos have even been described as “strikingly specific,” “emotional,” and “demanding,” with instances where he has pointed out grammatical errors.
The consequences of this demanding environment appear significant, with reports indicating that Highgrove has seen a major exodus of staff—11 out of 12 gardening personnel have left since 2022, including two head gardeners within a year. One former employee noted that their trust was lost over a simple lack of knowledge, causing a dramatic fallout with the King.
In addition to the staffing issues, complaints have arisen regarding low pay—reportedly as low as minimum wage—and poor working conditions, which have led to physical injuries among the team and contributed to low morale. An investigation by The King’s Foundation corroborated these findings, highlighting that “poor” management practices and inadequate compensation were significant factors behind these staffing shortages.
Despite the reported grievances, The Times article ends on a note suggesting the King’s continued commitment to Highgrove and his gardening passion. This ongoing involvement illustrates his dedication despite the challenges faced by his staff, suggesting a potential path for improvement in working conditions moving forward. With a renewed focus on staff well-being, there may be an opportunity for positive change at the estate.