A whopping 11 out of 12 full-time gardeners have quit their jobs at King Charles’ sprawling Highgrove estate in the past year, citing a toxic workplace environment and low pay.
The gardeners, who were reportedly “overwhelmed and underpaid,” handed in their resignations after growing increasingly frustrated with the monarch’s “demands.”
A History of Complaints
The troubles began when one staffer, who had worked for Charles for decades, quit. Another gardener was fired after failing his probation, reportedly due to insufficient knowledge about a particular type of flower, which lost the king’s trust.
The Highgrove estate has been rocked by a slew of toxic workplace complaints from vexed workers, with a recurring complaint being low wages.
In March 2022, three gardeners earned $11.98 per hour (the minimum wage), while two others were on $12.78 per hour.
The King’s Demands
Staffers claimed that the king issues a myriad of instructions during his morning walkabout on the estate, expecting his orders to be completed before his next return. He also allegedly sends detailed notes in “thick red ink” to garden staff, with memos that are “strikingly specific and emotional.”
Charles also corrects grammar and underlines incorrect letters in staff reports, and requires his team to address him as “Your Majesty” at all times.
An Investigation and a Pay Review
Following the complaints, the King’s Foundation commissioned an independent HR consultancy to investigate the claims. The probe discovered evidence of “staff shortages” and “poor” management practice, confirming that pay was “an issue for recruitment and retention.”
The report recommended “management training for all managers,” as well as “mental health support and counseling” for all employees, in addition to a pay review.
The Highgrove estate has since removed the Head of Gardens role, instead appointing a Head Gardener following the mass exodus.
A Response from the King’s Foundation
The King’s Foundation has spoken out, telling The Post that it takes “staff welfare extremely seriously.”
“We strive to be an exemplary employer,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “We are proud to regularly report very high satisfaction rates in our annual staff survey.”
The statement went on to say that the foundation regularly reviews guidance from the Professional Gardeners Guild for pay benchmarking, and that Highgrove has seen many positive developments since The King’s Foundation became the charitable custodian of the gardens.