Mass staff departures raise concerns behind the scenes of monarch's sustainability efforts
Just one week after King Charles launched his ambitious Harmony Summit at Highgrove Gardens, the monarch has been hit with a troubling development that threatens to overshadow his environmental agenda.
While the King's Foundation hosted a high-profile event that brought together indigenous leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss global environmental stewardship, reports from The Sunday Times reveal a very different story unfolding behind the royal estate's gates.
According to the report, 11 out of 12 full-time gardeners employed at Highgrove in 2022 have resigned. Those departing included senior roles such as both heads of gardens and a deputy head gardener—all within the span of a year. One veteran staff member, who had served the King for decades, also left his post.
Sources claim the staff were underpaid, earning around minimum wage, and found themselves overwhelmed by the scale of demands. “Under-resourced and constantly struggling to fulfill the King’s requests,” one insider said, describing a work environment that left employees feeling drained.
The report also shed light on the King's management style. During daily morning walkabouts, Charles is told to issue verbal instructions that must be executed before his next visit. He reportedly follows up with handwritten notes in “thick red ink”—memos described as “strikingly specific and emotional.”
While the Harmony Summit aimed to showcase King Charles's long-held vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future, the internal staffing issues at Highgrove have raised questions about whether the royal household is living up to the ideals it promotes.
As the monarch continues to build a legacy rooted in peace and sustainability, this setback serves as a reminder that harmony must also begin at home.
