Homeless Man Becomes Butler at Buckingham Palace, Thanks to Prince Charles

Impressed by the Prince of Wales’ engagement in philanthropy, I recently discovered Dumfries House, an 18th-century estate in Scotland with beautiful gardens which are open to the public.

The Prince acquired Dumfries House 13 years ago with the purpose of a heritage-led regeneration. The region suffers from a high unemployment rate. To support education, the Prince’s Foundation established modern facilities in the former stables of Dumfries House, such as a kitchen for practical training, a tailor’s workshop or a carpentry workshop.

While pupils learn how to sew or how to grow vegetables, Dumfries House also helps locals get back into work. Through the workshops, unemployed people find new occupations in the region and even at Dumfries House itself – in the guest lodge, the café, or the farm. One man, who had neither a job nor a home, mastered his training in gastronomy so well that the Prince has now employed him as a butler at Dumfries House. Sometimes he is even asked to help out at Buckingham Palace.

Originally published on January 29, 2020.