King Charles has been monarch for almost four years, having taken the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. His official Coronation took place in 2023, and since then he has continued the duty and work his mother did, carrying out hundreds of engagements across the UK and worldwide. His schedule is renowned for being exceptionally busy, with claims that he works at his desk late into the night—something not always appreciated by his family.
Despite this, a former Highgrove head gardener has revealed that one thing didn't change when Charles became King: his hands-on approach at his private home and his time spent with staff there.
Gardener's insight into the King's unchanged habits
Speaking to CasinoHawks, former Highgrove head gardener Jack Stooks said: “I remember thinking that when Charles became King we wouldn’t see him as much.”
“I thought his relaxed approach to life at home would change, but it didn’t. He still spent a lot of time with the gardeners and was very hands on. That didn’t change even when he took the crown.”
A kind and understanding boss
Jack also described the King as an “understanding” man to have as a boss, recalling an incident where he accidentally swore in front of him.
The former royal gardener revealed: “We had a call about a leak in the irrigation system. The King hates any sort of waste and losing water like this is a big no-no, so the gardeners rushed to fix it. I was in one of the bushes, bent down trying to fix this pipe, and I heard someone walking through the tunnel towards me.”
“I stood up, thinking they needed to speak to me, and came face to face with the King. I was a bit thrown, so I said ‘Good evening Your Highness’.”
“However this was just after he had become King, so this was the wrong greeting. As soon as I said it I realised my mistake and panicked, and in the moment ended up swearing. I apologised and addressed him correctly as ‘Your Majesty’.”
“He was completely fine about it. He just told me it was okay and not to worry. He said he was still getting used to the change in title as well. He’s a very kind man, and this is just one example of how understanding he is.”
