King Charles’ staff share the reality of life behind the scenes at Highgrove

King Charles, 77, opens the gates to his beloved garden at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire each year from April to October, and he’s been doing so since 1994. On Monday, the team at his country abode decided to share a video of the realities of the situation behind the scenes before visitors arrive. The clip showed outdoor preparations like repairing willow arches and planting new flowers, and you can watch it in full above.

Previous visitors shared their thoughts on the garden in the comments section, writing: “My favourite garden. Visited a few times and it’s always a joy,” and: “The most beautiful garden I’ve had the pleasure to walk round.” A third wrote: “Excited to be visiting again this year.”

“The most beautiful garden I’ve had the pleasure to walk round.”

 The caption read: “How do we prepare for Garden Tours at Highgrove? Our Garden Tours start today – take a look at how the team ensures the gardens are ready for visitors. Are you visiting us this summer season? We look forward to welcoming you to Highgrove Gardens.”

 A standard garden tour ticket will set you back £45, but for a £550 fee, you can have a totally private garden tour for up to eight guests.

 The gardens have 4.7 stars on Google and the reviews are glowing. One read: “It’s a privilege to be able to access these gardens. It’s a tightly controlled visit, but worth every penny. Each space is in beautiful condition and there is a very strong sense of identity that is conveyed through each of the spaces. The guide was brilliant, and you ache to photograph it! Truly a wonderful morning.” Another added: “Beautiful, artistic and peaceful gardens. Magical!!”

Special meeting at Highgrove

© The King’s Foundation / Courtney Louise Photography

 Earlier this month, King Charles’ country home played host to a very important meeting with some familiar faces. His Majesty invited Sir David Beckham, Alan Titchmarsh CBE and Frances Tophill over to discuss final plans for a garden they have designed for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as part of their work with the King’s Foundation Curious Garden project.

At the meeting, where Charles and David were pictured giggling, it was agreed that the garden would be home to a beehive, inspired by Sir David and Charles’s passion for beekeeping.

© The King’s Foundation / Courtney Louise Photography

 A press release about the project read: “The group are united by a love for gardening and the outdoors, and the hope that a new generation of young people will consider careers in horticulture in their future.”

 Sir David said afterwards: “Both The King’s Foundation and the RHS do such great work in protecting and promoting green spaces across the UK. I want to help encourage a new generation to appreciate the benefits of nature and get involved in gardening. It’s been fun to be a part of creating the Curious Garden and I’m excited for people to see it at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”