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British RoyalsPalaces & BuildingsQueen Elizabeth II

The Queen is hiring a new gardener

Does sharing your digs with The Queen sound up your street? What about managing gardens seen by millions of visitors a year? If so, head to The Royal Household website because Her Majesty is looking for a new live-in gardener.

The full-time position involves ensuring “the Royal Gardens and surrounding areas of Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace are maintained to an exceptional standard.”

Paying from £18,100, dependent on experience, the gardener role involves living at Buckingham Palace – with meals included – so you won’t need to worry about rent, utilities or grocery shopping anymore. The Royal Household also offer a 15% employer contribution pension scheme and benefits.

Interested in the day-to-day responsibilities? The job vacancy says:

“You’ll keep the lawns in top condition, from regular mowing and edging, to raking, re-seeding and top dressing.

You’ll also maintain the shrub, herbaceous and rose borders, monitor the health of plants, and nurture the growth of young trees and shrubs.

Helping to shape the future of the gardens, you’ll plant new shrubbery, bulbs and seasonal flower displays, ensuring that they continue to provide a spectacular setting for a magnificent historic building, as well for high profile events.

You’ll aim for perfection and learn from expert colleagues, with the results of your work will be seen, and admired, by a world-wide audience.”

Before you grab your pruning shears, you’ll need a minimum qualification of Horticulture NVQ 2 (or similar) along with experience operating a wide range of garden machinery. A clean C1 UK driving licence is also necessary as well as confidence in driving a large lorry as part of your job.

“We’re a busy team, so self-discipline and time management skills are vital. Working closely with colleagues will be important to you, and you’ll have the skills to communicate with a range of people,” the job description says.

The palace is looking for someone with “initiative and a confident approach” who has a creative side and will be eager to think of new ideas for the garden and grounds. And finally, “in all that you do, you’ll take great pride in your work and will be motivated to present gardens to exceptional standards.”

Apply here by 24 April.

About author

Kristin was Chief Reporter for Royal Central until 2022 and has been following the British royal family for more than 30 years. Kristin has appeared in UK and U.S. media outlets discussing the British royals including BBC Breakfast, BBC World News, Sky News, the Associated Press, TIME, The Washington Post, and many others.