Gardening staff exodus from King Charles III's estate raises concerns

In the United Kingdom, Highgrove House, the residence of King Charles III, has experienced a significant turnover in its gardening staff since 2022. Reports indicate that eleven out of the twelve gardeners have left their positions, citing low morale and physical injuries attributed to the demands of their work. Staff members have expressed concerns about being under-resourced and often felt overwhelmed by the King's requests. This situation has resulted in complaints and unhappiness within the team, compromising their ability to meet the high expectations set by the monarch. One instance highlighted an interaction where the King reprimanded a staff member for lacking knowledge about a specific flower, further demoralizing the remaining team members. Despite the grim reports from the gardening team, the King’s Foundation has publicly defended its employment practices, insisting that staff turnover is below the national average and that they prioritize staff welfare. They also assert that employees have received annual pay raises since 2022, reflecting national averages for the sector. Furthermore, improvements have been claimed in the estate's finances and educational initiatives. For example, the operating profit has significantly increased since 2022, and a new educational facility has opened to enhance traditional gardening skills among students. However, these positive developments have not resolved the critical issue regarding the morale and well-being of the gardening staff, raising questions about the sustainability of these practices as the team struggles to maintain their positions and health amid the demands from their employer.