Unexpected news has shaken the foundations of Buckingham Palace and Highgrove House, iconic residences of King Charles III and the Queen Consort. What seemed like an idyllic and meticulously maintained environment, especially in their gardens, has turned into the scene of a conflict that threatens to tarnish the monarch's image.
This event has caused a great stir, with echoes reaching the international press. The news, which reveals internal tensions and labor complaints, hints at a little-known and challenging situation.
Royal gardens, a scene of hidden tension
The gardens of Highgrove House have always been the pride and passion of King Charles III. Every plant, shrub, and hedge represents meticulous care and an obsession with botanical perfection. However, the harmonious facade hides a silent conflict that has been growing in recent years.
According to recent sources, eleven out of the twelve gardeners who worked at Highgrove have left their positions in just three years. This massive departure not only draws attention because of its scale, but also because it reflects growing discontent among the staff closest to the monarch.
The departures have been attributed to various reasons, but economic hardship and poor working conditions appear as the main causes. The departure of so many professionals directly affects the image of a palace that has always been presented as a symbol of excellence and care.
The silent revolt of the king's gardeners
The origin of the conflict is deeply linked to economic conditions and the work environment. The gardeners reported receiving very low wages, close to the British legal minimum, around £8.9 per hour (in 2022). This figure is considerably lower than what is paid at other leading gardens in the United Kingdom.
However, not everything comes down to money. Several former employees described a tense work environment and a complicated relationship with the king, calling him "impatient, despotic, and discourteous." One of the most talked-about anecdotes recounts how Charles III ordered a gardener to be removed for not identifying a flower correctly.
In another case, the monarch's frustration became evident when a mistake in labeling a Japanese shrub was met with a sharp "No!" written angrily in a report. These situations created a climate of great tension, according to direct witnesses, which ultimately led to the mass departure of the staff.
A crisis that affects the monarch's 'green' image
The king's Foundation took over the management of Highgrove in 2021 and commissioned a labor audit to review wages and conditions. At the end of 2023, improvements were proposed, including raises and psychological support, but so far they haven't been implemented.
The lack of action and the departure of most gardeners have complicated the situation. King Charles, known for his defense of the environment, now sees how this crisis tarnishes his image as a 'green' leader.
This isn't the first time Charles III has faced similar problems. In the book Rebel King, a gardener reveals that the monarch doesn't usually accept invoices for external services, which has caused historical tensions. This new chapter raises questions about the monarch's management and relationship with his staff.