EXCLUSIVE: King Charles will live at Highgrove House for the remainder of his life, even though Prince William and Princess Kate will now be the owners.
It may have required King Charles to get permission to engage a new gardener in order to renovate the grounds of his cherished Highgrove House because he now had an unexpected tenant in the person of his son Prince William and daughter-in-law Princess Kate.
King Charles is said to be paying the Prince and Princess of Wales up to £700,000 a year in rent.
With a £345 million property portfolio that includes Charles’ land from the 18th century in Gloucestershire, Prince William currently holds control over the Duchy of Cornwall.
Express.co.uk has learned from a source that King Charles will continue to live in Highgrove for the remainder of his life and will make all maintenance decisions.
“There is an understanding that the King will remain at Highgrove. It’s his home,” said the source.
“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 insider continues, “The King has recently hired new staff at the palatial pad because he is so determined to make Highgrove his own.”
“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 public is invited to a meet and greet at Highgrove on Thursday, August 1, where they can observe Gráinne in action. The King is reportedly so thrilled with his new hire.
“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.”
Gráinne is required to “ensure the organic status of the garden is maintained through adhering to Soil Association standards and Garden Organic recommendations,” according to the Highgrove website.
“Show exceptional levels of commitment to maintaining the garden for conservation and biodiversity.”
Gráinne also needs to be able to “take direction and advice from a variety of different specialists, advisors, and managers,” keeping King Charles in mind.
More than 40 years ago, the Prince of Wales at the time designed the Royal Garden at Highgrove. Charles’s dedication to organic and ecological practices is reflected in the distinctive flora and wildlife, which are maintained in balance with the environment.
Intimate nooks include a bench painted in two of the Queen Mother’s favorite colors and a tribute to his Jack Russell, Tigga.
