King Charles makes new Highgrove hire as Prince William and Princess Kate become landlords
EXCLUSIVE: Despite Prince William and Princess Kate becoming the owners of Highgrove House, King Charles will reside at the property for the rest of his life.
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.
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“Charles will spend more and more time there as time goes on. He’s recently appointed a new head gardener to give the grounds a new touch and will make improvements to the property as and when is required.”
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.”
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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."
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.
