Staff Resignation at High Grove Estate
The High Grove estate, owned by King Charles, has experienced a significant upheaval as 11 out of 12 full-time gardeners resigned last year, citing a toxic work environment.
One discontented worker, feeling “overwhelmed and underpaid,” decided to leave his position after growing frustrated with the king’s “demands,” as reported by the Sunday Times.
The report reveals that among those who resigned were two garden leaders and a deputy head gardener, all departing within the last year.
This mass resignation seemed to escalate following the exit of a long-serving staff member. Another gardener left after not passing his probation due to a lack of knowledge about specific flowers.
Complaints from the staff have been centered around low wages. Insiders indicated that in March 2022, three gardeners earned the minimum wage of $11.98 per hour, while two others made $12.78.
By late 2023, one gardener expressed that the whole team felt “overwhelmed,” grappling with constant pressure to meet the king’s demands.
Some staff members claimed they sustained physical injuries trying to keep pace with increasing expectations and noted that morale was notably low. There were assertions that management was lacking, with people feeling unable to voice issues like understaffing.
Reportedly, King Charles frequently issues directions during his morning strolls around the estate, expecting tasks to be completed by the time he returns.
The staff voiced concerns about the king’s detailed notes, often laden with corrections in “thick red ink,” which contained remarkably specific and emotional feedback.
A gardener commented on the king’s manner, describing him as “impatient and lacking politeness.” Following these complaints, the King’s Foundation sought an investigation by an independent HR consultant.
The findings suggested issues of staff turnover and poor management, identifying wages as a critical factor in recruitment and retention challenges.
The report recommended implementing mental health support and management training for all team leaders, as well as salary reviews.
Additionally, the estate decided to remove the role of “head of the garden,” replacing it with “head gardeners” after the notable departures.
Constantine “Costa” Inneme, a close advisor to the king and executive director of the estate, faced allegations that he instructed staff to prioritize the King’s preferences, sometimes over professional advice.
Despite generating over $8 million last fiscal year—more than any other royal property—the gardens still reportedly operate with limited resources. Attempts to reach High Grove and Buckingham Palace for comments were made, but no responses have been noted.
