In a surprising and concerning development, King Charles’ beloved Highgrove House gardens—long regarded as a personal refuge and a testament to the monarch’s deep love for horticulture—are now at the center of controversy. A report by The Sunday Times has revealed that 11 of the 12 gardeners employed at the royal estate have quit their positions since March 2022.
The departures have raised significant questions about working conditions, wage standards, and expectations at one of Britain’s most iconic and environmentally-conscious residences. Despite the King’s personal involvement and vision for the estate, the situation has triggered scrutiny over labor practices under his foundation’s management.
A Royal Passion, a Demanding Environment
Highgrove House, the cherished country estate in Gloucestershire, has been a cornerstone of King Charles’ environmental identity for over four decades. Since moving in during 1980, the King—then Prince of Wales—has transformed the garden into an exquisite sanctuary. Its organic layout, historic plantings, and thematic landscapes have been featured in countless publications and documentaries.
More than just a personal retreat, the gardens draw around 40,000 visitors annually, all hoping to witness the fruits of royal devotion to nature. But beneath the beauty lies a reality that former employees claim is far less idyllic. According to the Sunday Times investigation, King Charles’ attention to detail has translated into relentless expectations for his gardening team.
Staff members described an overwhelming workload, with constant memos and notes from the King offering suggestions—or mandates—on horticultural specifics. One staff member even alleged physical injury while attempting to meet the standards demanded. Others spoke of low morale, high pressure, and a culture of performance that was difficult to sustain.
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These allegations are especially surprising given King Charles’ public persona as a champion of sustainability, harmony with nature, and traditional craft. The gardens have even hosted the “Harmony Summit,” an event aimed at fostering deeper ecological awareness. Yet, it appears that maintaining this verdant vision has exacted a cost on those behind the scenes.
Low Wages and Institutional Challenges
The central issue, however, appears to revolve around pay. The Sunday Times report stated that many of the gardeners at Highgrove were earning wages close to the U.K.’s legal minimum, despite the demanding nature of their work and the prestige of the royal estate.
Since the King devolved management of the gardens to The King’s Foundation in 2021, the estate has been operating under a charitable model, which has both benefits and limitations. On one hand, the Foundation claims to reinvest in education, sustainability, and visitor experience. On the other hand, former staff say the structure has enabled wage stagnation and managerial oversight.
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A formal grievance was lodged in the 2024–2025 period, in which the complainant cited under-resourcing and burnout among the gardening staff. The complaint, which highlighted physical strain and demoralization, prompted the Foundation to consult a human resources firm. According to the findings, the consultancy upheld concerns regarding low pay, staff shortages, and ineffective management practices—factors which likely played a role in the mass exodus of gardening staff.
While The King’s Foundation has attempted to counter the narrative by pointing out that formal grievances are rare (only one out of nearly 500 staff in that period), the sheer scale of turnover in a single team—11 out of 12 gardeners—is difficult to overlook. Even more troubling is the alleged reaction of King Charles in one reported incident where a gardener, having failed to identify a flower correctly, was dismissed from the King’s presence with the words: “Don’t put that man in front of me again.”
Still, the Foundation insists that they have made strides in addressing concerns. According to statements made to PEOPLE, since 2022 staff pay has been incrementally raised by 15% to 19%, and turnover remains lower than the national average. Pay benchmarking is reportedly done in accordance with guidance from the Professional Gardeners Guild. Whether these adjustments are adequate remains a matter of public debate, especially given the elite status and visibility of the institution involved.
The Balancing Act Between Vision and Management
Supporters of King Charles argue that his commitment to the gardens is not just genuine, but deeply informed. As head gardener Gráinne Ring noted in a summer 2024 interview, “I see my job as a facilitator of the garden, a facilitator of what His Majesty wants.”
With 15 members now reportedly part of the team, including apprentices, the estate seems to be undergoing a period of rebuilding. Apprenticeships and heritage education programs, such as the Metier d’Arts Fellowship and traditional furniture making, have been added to enrich the estate’s broader mission.
Ring emphasized the collaborative nature of the current setup, noting that while she might choose the bulbs, the King chooses the color schemes. To her, the King’s gardening knowledge is an asset rather than a burden—an opinion that some of the departed workers likely would not share. These differing perspectives highlight the complexity of maintaining an artistic, ecologically sensitive landscape on a scale as grand and scrutinized as Highgrove’s.
Meanwhile, the estate’s profitability is reportedly rising. Since being placed under the care of The King’s Foundation, operating profits have doubled. The addition of educational facilities and increased visitor engagement are indicators of success. But again, the question arises: is financial prosperity being achieved at the cost of worker wellbeing?
For a monarch who has long positioned himself as a steward of both the Earth and its traditions, this controversy presents a difficult contradiction. While Charles’ vision for the land is unmatched and his passion undiminished, the practical execution of that vision appears to need urgent attention in terms of labor relations, fair compensation, and organizational transparency.
The developments at Highgrove may well serve as a litmus test for how the modern monarchy balances its public image with the real-world implications of its institutions. As the King moves deeper into his reign, and as public scrutiny intensifies, the treatment of those working under his banner—especially in a beloved place like Highgrove—could significantly influence his legacy.
While many still admire the serenity and artistic expression of the Highgrove gardens, the broader conversation about fairness, workplace standards, and royal accountability is now blooming in the public sphere. Whether those issues are addressed meaningfully in the seasons to come remains to be seen.