Ex-employee offers rare insight into the monarch’s working style and reputation
King Charles oversees hundreds of staff across his offices and the wider Royal Household, but his leadership style has often been scrutinised. Not long after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, he faced criticism when news of staff redundancies emerged during the nation’s mourning period. The timing drew backlash, leaving some to question whether the King was a difficult employer.
Now, a former member of staff has come forward with a very different perspective. Speaking to The Daily Beast, the insider described Charles as “always extremely well prepared” and deeply engaged in his work.
According to the former employee, the King does not “suffer fools” and expects professionalism from those around him. Rather than being harsh, this approach ensures efficiency and focus across his household. “As anyone who has actually worked with him will tell you, he himself is always extremely well prepared, well-read on the subject matter of people he meets and is working with, diligent and respectful of expertise,” the staffer said.
The monarch is currently balancing royal duties with ongoing cancer treatment. While earlier reports suggested his condition was incurable, recent updates from Buckingham Palace have been more optimistic. In June, royal commentator Camilla Tominey noted that insiders believe the King’s cancer is “under control,” explaining that “the talk now is that he may die with cancer, but not of cancer.”
During his recovery, Charles has retreated to Balmoral Castle for the summer, taking a short break from public engagements.
Meanwhile, the redundancies that caused controversy after his accession affected departments including private secretaries, communications teams, household staff, and finance officers. These were individuals who had supported him for years as Prince of Wales. In a letter obtained by The Guardian, Charles’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, explained:
“The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household. The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities, and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household … at Clarence House will be closed down.”
The insider’s remarks offer a counterpoint to those headlines, suggesting that Charles, while demanding, is also diligent, informed, and respectful—a side of the King not always reflected in public debate.
