Highgrove, the King’s beloved countryside sanctuary, used to be a symbol of peace, purpose, and passion.
But today, that once-idyllic garden in Gloucestershire is reportedly facing unrest, with whispers of low morale, staff departures, and a gardening team under pressure.
For decades, King Charles poured heart, soul—and millions—into cultivating his dream landscape.
But lately, it’s not the flowers causing concern—it’s the people tending to them.
A Royal Bond Rooted in Soil and Loyalty
It wasn’t always this way. The story of Highgrove is closely intertwined with one man in particular: Paddy Whiteland.
A no-nonsense Liverpudlian with Irish roots and a powerful past as a WWII POW, Paddy was more than just a gardener—he was family.
Charles, then the Prince of Wales, trusted him completely.
After buying Highgrove in 1980, Charles made just one staffing decision: he kept Paddy on.
Their bond was so strong, Charles later commissioned a bust of Paddy for his “wall of worthies,” honoring the man who helped him transform the estate from a simple patch of land into a vibrant garden paradise.
A Change in Tone as Tensions Bloom
Fast-forward to the present day, and reports suggest a starkly different atmosphere.
According to The Sunday Times, nearly all of Highgrove’s gardening team—11 out of 12 members—have quit over the past three years.
Key figures like the head gardener and his deputy are among those who left.
Sources cited staff shortages, burnout, and what they described as increasingly demanding expectations from the King.
Notes written in red ink, allegedly left by Charles, were said to critique everything from plant labeling to underwhelming delphiniums.
Even the presence of a single ragwort near the outdoor pool reportedly drew a royal rebuke.
The King’s Love for Precision and Detail
To be fair, Charles has always taken gardening seriously.
Known for his hands-on style, he famously roams the grounds with secateurs in one hand and a notebook in the other.
His attention to detail is legendary—some call it inspiring, others a bit much.
Friends close to the King argue his pointed feedback is a reflection of care, not cruelty.
They insist the ragwort incident, for example, was about maintaining standards.
While some staffers reportedly felt demoralized, others saw his involvement as a privilege—proof that the monarch truly values the gardens.
A Shift in Leadership and a Turning Point
Much of the change seems to trace back to one key moment: the exit of Michael Fawcett.
Once Charles’s closest aide, Fawcett handled everything from wardrobe details to personnel problems.
But after stepping down in 2021 amid the ‘donations-for-honours’ scandal, his absence has been felt—especially in situations like this one.
Insiders believe Fawcett would have resolved issues quietly, shielding the King from distractions and frustrations.
Without him, complaints have risen to the top, and it seems Charles—juggling royal duties, health challenges, and multiple residences—is now struggling to maintain the level of personal attention he once gave to Highgrove.
Highgrove’s Legacy and Future Remain Deeply Personal
Despite the difficulties, Highgrove remains a central part of Charles’s identity.
It’s where he wooed Diana, built a treehouse for William and Harry, and found peace in the aftermath of personal and public challenges.
It was his escape during the pandemic and the place he mourned Prince Philip.
Knowing that his sons have shown little interest in inheriting the property, Charles made arrangements in 2021 to continue living at Highgrove even after becoming King.
He now rents the estate through a company he controls, ensuring he can remain there into his 90s if he chooses.
From Solace to Business Venture
Highgrove isn’t just a private retreat anymore—it’s also a public-facing operation.
The gardens are managed by the King’s Foundation, which oversees events, workshops, and branded merchandise.
More than 40,000 visitors pass through each year, generating an estimated £6 million in revenue.
But with that visibility comes greater scrutiny.
And according to The Sunday Times, the friction among gardeners began after these business-focused changes were implemented.
Some say the balance between preservation and productivity has shifted uncomfortably.
Staff Grievances and Mental Health Warnings
The growing tension reportedly reached a boiling point in late 2023 when a staff member formally filed a grievance.
The complaint described under-staffing, injuries from overwork, and mental strain tied to trying to meet royal standards.
An investigation followed, and the Foundation was told to offer counselling and mental health support.
It’s a far cry from the harmonious relationship Charles once had with Paddy Whiteland—and a sign that something within the garden walls may truly be wilting.
Not Everyone Agrees With the Criticism
Still, not all voices echo the complaints. Jack Stooks, a former senior gardener who spent two decades at Highgrove, defended the King.
He described Charles and his family as “amazingly wonderful” and rejected the idea that the King was to blame for staff turnover.
Jack acknowledged that gardening is a tough industry—low pay, hard labor, and physical wear are common.
He suggested the Foundation, not Charles directly, now oversees management, adding that the monarch is likely already working to fix things.
The Bigger Picture Behind the Petunias
Friends of Charles believe the narrative has been skewed by a few disgruntled former employees.
In the most recent year, only one grievance was officially reported out of a workforce of nearly 500.
Staff turnover is reportedly less than half the national average, and wages have increased steadily since 2022.
In their view, the King remains dedicated—but human.
He’s aging, undergoing cancer treatment, and dealing with the pressure of multiple estates. His perfectionism and deeply personal connection to Highgrove may be clashing with the realities of modern management.
A Garden Once Built With Love Faces New Challenges
As the King faces criticism and concern over the state of his once-beloved garden, it’s hard not to think back to the days of Paddy Whiteland—the man who helped bring Highgrove to life.
Their relationship wasn’t just professional—it was personal, heartfelt, and rare.
No one expects Charles to start sculpting busts