The head gardener at a royal estate is suing her employer for sexual discrimination, after she was “turfed out” of her position.
Amanda Hill, who worked for Queen Noor of Jordan, alleges that a male colleague was given a pay rise and responsibilities which allowed him to do her job. After complaining about her treatment she claims she was bullied into resigning.
Hill alerted the monarch to the issue then launched legal proceedings against her. However, these allegations have since been struck out after she accepted that Ambassador Marine Corporation, which runs the estate, was her employer.
At a pre-trial review hearing, the married gardener alleged that after she found out that groundsman Danny Welland had been promoted she was intimidated and bullied. She also said that she no longer had exclusive use of her computer, access to her tools was blocked and students were taken on without her authorisation.
Employment Judge Jessica Hill scheduled a full hearing for next May, however she urged the two sides to reach a compromise as the case “cried out for settlement”.
Queen Noor uses Buckhurst Park in Windsor, Berkshire, when visiting England. The royal may be called to give evidence when the case is heard.
