The royal family don’t officially take questions from the public, but that doesn’t mean people don’t ask. And things can get awkward fast. Cut to: King Charles’ recent “walkabout” in Newmarket, where a person in the crowd straight-up asked him “Why does your family cost us half a billion pounds a year, Charles?”
Charles’ response? To muse “Ah, yes,” and keep walking.
Cannot like, I’ve watched this video five times.
Watch as King Charles is confronted by members of the public while at an event in Newmarket over the cost of the royal family on UK taxpayers 👇 pic.twitter.com/7pVibUT276
— The National (@ScotNational) July 22, 2025
Anyway, the person in the crowd kept going when Charles walked away, shouting out “Why do you only pay your gardeners minimum wage?”
This is a reference to a new bombshell report about what’s really going on at Charles’ beloved garden in Highgrove, and apparently the situation is…not great.
According to The Sunday Times, Charles frequently sends “demanding” notes to staff in “thick red ink,” which are “strikingly specific and emotional.” He also reportedly said “don’t put that man in front of me again” when a gardener didn’t enough enough about a specific flower. Meanwhile, an external investigation recommended “mental health support and counseling” for employees, as well as better pay.
Oh, and on top of all that, an anonymous worker told The Times they’re treated like “dirt” and that “There was anger boiling at the surface … very impatient, no politeness at all. It was like, you should be thankful that we’ve given you a job, and you work for the King, the highest person in the country.”
You Might Also Like
Here’s What NOT to Wear to a Wedding
Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You’ll Ever Try
