**King Charles III’s Former Gardener Provides Glimpse into Monarch’s Passion for Highgrove Gardens**
For over twenty years, Jack Stooks dedicated his working life to nurturing the picturesque grounds of Highgrove House, the cherished Gloucestershire residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Now, stepping out from behind the immaculate gardens, Jack shares a revealing look at the monarch’s engaging and unexpectedly approachable manner, painting a vivid picture of royal dedication that runs far deeper than many outsiders might assume.
Highgrove House has long been associated with environmental stewardship and creative landscape design, much credited to King Charles III himself. Under Jack’s meticulous care, the gardens developed their character; but what surprised Jack most was the King’s personal attention to every detail. Despite holding one of the highest offices in the land, Charles was frequently found among the beds and borders, taking a deeply practical role in shaping the estate’s flourishing environment.
“It was a little surreal at first, being directed by the King,” Jack explained, reflecting on the early days of his tenure. “But over time, I gained a great respect for how genuinely hands-on he was. Whenever he returned to Highgrove, it was never simply a royal visit—he was out in the garden, inspecting progress and suggesting improvements without a hint of distance or detachment.”
Jack described weekly encounters with the monarch, highlighting the level of interest and involvement Charles maintained. “He’d have specific comments each Monday, pointing out what needed addressing and what had impressed him. For us on the team, knowing our efforts were noticed and appreciated by the owner himself was hugely motivating.”
Throughout his time at Highgrove, Jack not only worked closely with the King but also had brushes with other senior royals including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and Prince Harry. This experience contrasted sharply with recent portrayals of royal life, such as Meghan Markle’s comments in the Harry and Meghan Netflix documentary. Meghan described the Royal Family as consistently formal, both in public and private, “surprising” her expectation that the formality would recede behind closed doors.
Jack, however, offers a different perspective, describing the family’s striking “normality” away from public gaze. Speaking on behalf of Prime Casino, he commented, “From the outside, people may think the royals live separate, untouchable lives. Many question why we support them financially or debate their place in British society. But working with them you see the immense effort and sense of responsibility they feel.”
The former gardener’s admiration extends beyond the King’s horticultural involvement. He pointed to Charles’s perseverance in the face of ill health, referencing the King’s ongoing royal duties amid his recent battle with cancer. “He’s a real trooper,” Jack said. “Most people would step back, say they’re too ill to continue. But not him—he has an unwavering sense of duty, forcing himself to keep going, which is remarkable.”
Jack sees a similar steadfastness in Queen Camilla. “She could have easily taken a less visible role, but she’s there, consistently supporting the King and fulfilling her responsibilities,” he noted. “Their dedication to their roles, and to each other, is something that stands out when you see it up close.”
Highgrove’s gardens, then, are more than an idyllic rural retreat. They embody the work ethic and ideals of their residents, shaped by years of personal involvement from the monarch himself. While speculation and debate about the monarchy’s relevance continue in public forums, those like Jack who’ve experienced royal life up close offer a nuanced view—one that highlights the family’s commitment and character, seldom glimpsed by the wider public.
For many, Jack’s insights add a note of humanity to the royal story, prompting reflection on the very real effort underpinning Britain’s most visible public roles. As the debate on the monarchy’s place in modern society unfolds, stories from those within the royal orbit serve as a valuable reminder of the everyday dedication behind the crown’s enduring traditions.