Royal family news updates: King Charles appoints new staff at Highgrove as Prince William and Duchess Kate become landowners.
Prince William and Princess Kate have become King Charles’s landlord at Highgrove (Image: Getty)
King Charles has an unexpected landlord for his beloved Highgrove House – his son Prince William and daughter-in-law Princess Kate – which might have seen him having to seek approval to hire a new gardener to transform the grounds.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will reportedly receive up to £700,000 a year rent from King Charles.
Prince William now controls the Duchy of Cornwall and its £345million property portfolio – including Charles’ 18th century Gloucestershire estate.
Despite Highgrove having a new owner, a source tells Express.co.uk that King Charles will make all the decisions about its upkeep and reside there for the rest of his life.
“There is an understanding that the King will remain at Highgrove. It’s his home,” said the source.
“Charles sẽ dành nhiều thời gian hơn ở đó theo thời gian. Gần đây, ông ấy đã bổ nhiệm một người làm vườn trưởng mới để mang đến cho khuôn viên một nét mới và sẽ cải thiện bất động sản khi cần thiết.”
The source adds that the King is so determined to make Highgrove his own that he’s recently hired new staff at the palatial pad.
“Charles has appointed Gráinne Ring as his new head gardener and she’s a delight,” said the source.
“Charles wanted someone who was a whizz with organic vegetables and could really take the look of the grounds to the next level.”
The King is said to be so delighted with his new hire that he’s hosting a meet and greet for members of the public to see Gráinne at work on Thursday, August 1, at Highgrove.
“Charles wanted a top-of-the-crop organic gardener for his beloved Highgrove,” said the source. “It is a job where you will certainly need the greenest of fingers. He can’t wait to show her off.”
The Highgrove website states that Gráinne must “ensure the organic status of the garden is maintained through adhering to Soil Association standards and Garden Organic recommendations.
“Show exceptional levels of commitment to maintaining the garden for conservation and biodiversity.”
King Charles adores Highgrove and will remain there for the rest of his life (Image: Getty)
And with King Charles in mind, Gráinne must have the ”ability to take direction and advice from a variety of different specialists, advisors and managers.”
The Royal Garden at Highgrove was created by the then Prince of Wales over 40 years ago. The unique flora and fauna are managed in harmony with nature to reflect Charles’s commitment to organic and sustainable principles.
There are intimate corners such as a memorial to his Jack Russell, Tigga, and a bench in two of the Queen Mother’s favourite colours.
