Supporters defend monarch’s leadership after claims of unrest at Highgrove estate
King Charles has found himself at the centre of a gardening controversy, with reports claiming that staff at his Highgrove estate are unhappy under his leadership. But those close to the monarch say the story is overblown—and full of compost.
According to a recent article, eight anonymous sources described as royal gardeners or insiders alleged dissatisfaction among the gardening team. One headline-making accusation claimed the King chastised a gardener for failing to identify a flower.
However, friends and former staff say the truth is far more nuanced. “He was not being beastly to this man,” one source told The Mail. The real issue, they explained, was that the gardener had asked Charles to consider hiring a friend who had no gardening experience—a request that raised obvious concerns.
Those defending the monarch insist he remains committed to both the estate and the people who help maintain it. They say the King’s passion for Highgrove’s gardens has never wavered, even though his cancer treatment and duties across other royal estates, including Balmoral and Sandringham, have reduced his physical presence at the property.
“He sees the gardens as an important part of his legacy,” said one confidant.
Another detail drawing headlines involves Charles’s request to remove ragwort, an invasive plant reportedly spotted in a part of the grounds not overseen by the main team. Critics portrayed the move as an overreaction—but allies of the King strongly disagree.
“It’s a noxious and invasive weed that poses a risk to animals,” one friend said. “It’s perfectly reasonable that he wanted it gone.”
Some royal observers believe the recent turbulence might stem from the 2021 departure of Michael Fawcett, the King’s former right-hand man, who left his role following the "cash for honours" scandal. Fawcett was known for tightly managing internal affairs and shielding the King from minor staff disputes.
“Michael would have handled complaints before they ever reached Charles,” a former associate noted, hinting that the absence of that gatekeeping might explain the sudden airing of grievances.
Despite the negative headlines, the King’s inner circle is standing firm: the media’s portrayal of discontent in the garden doesn’t reflect reality—and they’re calling it what they believe it is, a load of compost.
