Inside King Charles’ ‘Healing Garden’ during his battle with cancer
King Charles has long regarded the gardens of Highgrove House as a personal retreat, and amid his ongoing cancer treatment, those closest to the monarch said RadarOnline.com the sprawling Gloucestershire retreat has become an increasingly important place for reflection, recovery and escape from the pressures of royal life.
The ailing monarch, 77, opens the gates of his celebrated Highgrove Gardens to visitors between April and October every year, despite considering it his “healing garden”, a palace source told us.
The gardens, created and maintained over decades at his private home in Gloucestershire, have become one of the monarch’s most cherished projects and a symbol of his lifelong passion for nature, conservation and horticulture.
Now Highgrove staff can offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes as preparations for the summer season get underway, sharing images of workers repairing willow arches, planting flowers and ensuring the grounds are ready to welcome guests.
A source familiar with the King’s cherished relationship with Highgrove told us: ‘The gardens have always been a place where Charles can relax from his official duties. These are places where he finds real comfort and peace.’
Another insider said: “Since his cancer diagnosis, spending time outdoors and among the landscapes he personally shaped has become even more meaningful. He has always believed in the restorative power of nature and gardening.”
The comments came as Highgrove’s annual visitor season officially began.
The estate’s team shared a video documenting the work involved in preparing the gardens ahead of the first tours of the year.
An accompanying message read: “How are we preparing for Garden Tours in Highgrove? Our Garden Tours start today – see how the team are ensuring the gardens are ready for visitors. Will you be visiting us this summer season? We look forward to welcoming you to Highgrove Gardens.”
Visitors continue to praise the attraction, which has become one of Britain’s most admired private gardens.
A former guest wrote: “My favorite garden. Visited a few times and it’s always a delight.”
Another said: “The most beautiful garden I have had the pleasure of walking around in.”
A third visitor added: “I’m glad to be visiting again this year.”
Standard tours of the gardens cost $60, while private visits for groups of up to eight guests are available for around $740.
The attraction currently has a 4.7 star rating on Google, with many visitors highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and careful presentation of the grounds.
One reviewer wrote: “It is a privilege to have access to these gardens. It is a tightly controlled visit but worth every penny. Each space is in beautiful condition and there is a very strong sense of identity conveyed by each of the spaces.”
Earlier this month, Highgrove also hosted a meeting with several prominent figures linked to one of the king’s favorite causes.
Sir David Beckham, gardener Alan Titchmarsh and horticulturist Frances Tophill joined Charles to complete plans for a garden created for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show through the King’s Foundation Curious Garden project.
Photos released during the meeting showed Charles and Beckham sharing a light-hearted moment as they discussed plans.
Organizers later confirmed that the garden would include a beehive, inspired by both men’s shared enthusiasm for beekeeping.
A statement about the project said: “The group is united by a love of gardening and the outdoors, and the hope that a new generation of young people will consider a career in horticulture in their future.”
Speaking after the meeting, Beckham said: “Both The King’s Foundation and the RHS are doing 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 part of creating the Curious Garden, and I’m delighted people can see it at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”
