Jack Stooks, who worked as King Charles III's gardener for 21 years at Highgrove House and Gardens in Gloucestershire, has shared insights into the monarch's hands-on approach. He admitted being initially taken aback by the King's involvement, describing it as 'quite odd' yet appreciated.
'He was very much on the ball all the time,' Stooks said, recalling how Charles would check the garden upon returning at weekends. The King would comment on what needed doing, demonstrating his deep interest and knowledge.
'He was interested in the garden; he knew what was going on. So we all had the sense of satisfaction that we would get something right and know that it was being enjoyed by the person who owns it,' Stooks remarked, noting this set Charles apart.
Unlike Meghan Markle's portrayal of royal formality in her Netflix documentary, Stooks emphasised the 'normality' of the royals. He praised the King's sense of duty, especially amidst his cancer battle, saying, 'He could just say he's ill, but he forces himself to carry on. It's amazing to see.'
