King Charles III is under increased scrutiny following a significant departure of staff at his Highgrove estate. Eleven of twelve gardeners have resigned, citing overwhelming workloads and insufficient pay. Friends of the king have stepped forward to defend him, offering a different perspective on the situation that has captured public attention.
The departures came after a 2023 investigation by the King’s Foundation, which manages the estate. The investigation verified concerns about staff shortages and inadequate management practices, highlighting low wages and declining morale as key issues. Notably, one allegation involved King Charles dismissing a gardener who reportedly lacked knowledge of a specific flower, leading to a loss of trust.
A report suggested the king said of the dismissed gardener: “Don’t put that man in front of me again.” This statement has become symbolic of claims that the 76-year-old king is becoming increasingly difficult to work with.
Supporters of the king have responded, offering context they believe is absent from media narratives. Sources close to Charles stated the incident involved a request to remove ragwort weed, which is not accessible for him to handle directly. Insiders considered the request reasonable, as ragwort is classified as an invasive weed.
A source explained that Charles was not being intentionally harsh but was frustrated with what he saw as a straightforward maintenance issue. Friends emphasized that his interest in the gardens is deeply personal.
Associates noted that Charles views the gardens as integral to his legacy, a sentiment magnified by his ongoing cancer treatment. His health challenges have affected his energy levels and limited his ability to visit as often as he wishes.
Despite these issues, the Highgrove estate remains financially successful, generating over $8 million last year. This income surpasses that of other royal residences, yet the gardens reportedly operate with limited resources.
The investigation, conducted by WorkNest, revealed staffing shortages and management issues, confirming that low compensation hindered both recruitment and retention of qualified staff. However, some former employees contest these findings.
Jack Stooks, a former senior gardener at Highgrove, disputed claims that Charles is directly responsible for the problems. Stooks argued that while Charles oversees the King’s Foundation, the operational management of the gardens is the foundation’s responsibility.
Stooks suggested that if management issues exist, they stem from the foundation’s leadership, not Charles. He expressed confidence that the king would address any issues identified through the investigation.
The situation arises during a challenging time for Charles, who is balancing royal duties with cancer treatment. Friends and Queen Camilla are concerned about him overworking, and the Highgrove controversy adds to his stress.
Since purchasing Highgrove in 1980, Charles has focused on environmental and gardening interests there. The estate serves as both a retreat and a demonstration of sustainable practices, reflecting his advocacy for environmental issues.
