The Queen is officially hiring for this live-in Buckingham Palace role

Words by Maisie Bovingdon 

The Queen is hiring a full time gardener to tend to her gardens at Buckingham Palace, and St. James's Palace.

Depending on the applicant's experience the successful candidate will start on £18,100, but there are TONNES of added benefits too. The lucky applicant will also receive 15 per cent employer contribution pension scheme, as well as accommodation and meals provided, but this will impact on the salary.

The job description reads: 'The Gardens and Grounds team care for and present gardens that are seen by thousands of visitors and guests every year.

'Joining this small team of qualified gardeners, you'll help ensure the Royal Gardens and surrounding areas of Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace are maintained to an exceptional standard.'

The role, which is for five days a week, involves mowing the grass, raking, re-seeding and 'top dressing' dry patches, as well as maintaining the rose borders and plant new shrubs for flower displays.

The applicants MUST have a 'passion for horticulture', relevant experience and a great knowledge of plants.

The minimum qualification needed for the position is a Horticulture NVQ 2, a clean C1 UK driving license, as well as experience using garden machinery.

The job spec continues: '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.

'With initiative and a confident approach, you'll also be keen to research and explore new ideas for developing the gardens and grounds.'

The deadline for the application is 24 April - we want in!