King Charles III has reportedly caused a stir among the gardening staff at his cherished Highgrove Estate after sending handwritten 'red letters' critiquing their work. The monarch, known for his deep passion for horticulture, allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with the upkeep of the gardens, leading to an exodus of long-serving gardeners.
A Royal Displeasure
Sources claim the King personally inspected the gardens and later dispatched strongly-worded notes highlighting areas he felt required improvement. The letters, written in red ink – a colour traditionally associated with corrections – were said to have left staff feeling 'demoralised' and 'unappreciated'.
Gardening Team Shake-up
Several experienced gardeners have reportedly left their positions following the incident. 'There's been a noticeable change in atmosphere since the letters arrived,' an insider revealed. 'Some team members who've dedicated decades to maintaining Highgrove's world-famous gardens felt the criticism was particularly harsh.'
Highgrove's Horticultural Legacy
The gardens at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire have been a labour of love for King Charles since he acquired the property in 1980. The estate's organic gardens are considered among the finest in the country, showcasing the King's environmental principles and innovative gardening techniques.
Royal commentators suggest the King's exacting standards stem from his personal commitment to perfection in the gardens he helped design. 'The gardens are his pride and joy,' noted one royal expert. 'He knows every plant and tree personally.'
Palace Response
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on what it describes as 'private staffing matters'. However, sources close to the royal household maintain that the King remains deeply involved in Highgrove's gardens and expects the highest standards from all who work there.
The incident has sparked debate among horticultural circles about the challenges of maintaining royal gardens to exacting standards while preserving staff morale in what many consider a dream job for professional gardeners.
