EXCLUSIVE: Why Charles is Being Nicknamed 'King Muck' — And It's Nothing to Do With His Filthy Brother Andrew
King Charles faced a King Muck nickname over a toxic dump on his private land.
Feb. 14 2026, Published 4:00 p.m. ET
RadarOnline.com can reveal King Charles has earned an unflattering new nickname among courtiers and locals after securing approval to dig a vast slurry pit on his Sandringham estate – a move critics said has turned the monarch into "King Muck."
Courtiers are also joking the nickname has nothing to do with his mucky shamed brother 'Randy Andy Windsor,' 65, but instead stems from the monarch's determination to push ahead with a manure storage project close to Anmer Hall, the Norfolk home of Prince William, 43, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, 44.
Slurry Pit Approved Near Anmer Hall
King Charles III approved plans for a large slurry pit at Sandringham.
The slurry pit, approved by King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, will sit less than a mile from the Wales family's country residence.
The plans allow for a 4,000-square-meter manure storage lagoon – roughly equivalent to four Olympic swimming pools – capable of holding almost 10,000 cubic meters of animal waste.
The slurry will be used as fertilizer across 2,700 hectares of farmland producing wheat, barley, beans and oats as part of the Sandringham estate's agricultural operations.
Estate managers argued the project supports sustainable farming and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers.
A statement submitted with the planning application said: "The proposals involve the formation of a fertiliser storage lagoon to serve an extensive, established land holding of approximately 2,700 hectares."
It added Sandringham's sheep and cattle produce organic, grass-fed meat and that the lagoon would improve soil management across the estate.
Villagers Fear Odor and Disruption
Residents in Flitcham complained about potential odor and disruption.
But the scale of the development has angered residents in the nearby village of Flitcham, who fear persistent odors and disruption.
One local raged: "People here understand agriculture – we live with it every day – but this is on a completely different scale."
The raging resident added: "A lagoon of this size is bound to bring persistent odors, and that has left villagers deeply uneasy."
The same local also said there was disbelief at the proximity of the slurry pit to Anmer Hall, adding: "There is real disbelief that something so intrusive is being placed so close to Anmer Hall, and a sense of irony that the decision ultimately sits with William's own father, the King."
Despite objections, planning officer Lucy Smith ruled the development "would be lawful."
In her assessment, she noted: "Whilst neighbour comments in regard to the siting in proximity to the settlement of Flitcham are noted, there is no mechanism in place for the Local Planning Authority to consider general odour impacts from a nuisance perspective."
She also added: "No adverse tourism impacts are considered likely particularly given the site's location surrounded by agricultural uses."
Tension Between King Charles and Prince William's Land Use
Local officials authorized the manure lagoon near Anmer Hall.
Behind the scenes, the project has become symbolic of deeper tensions about how Sandringham is used.
A source familiar with the estate said: "This has come to represent more than a routine land-management decision. Charles approaches Sandringham first and foremost as a functioning agricultural operation that must be run efficiently."
The insider added: "That is why staff have jokingly started calling him 'King Muck' – because he personally backed the slurry pit as essential farming infrastructure."
Our source also said that contrasted with Prince William's priorities. "William, by contrast, regards Anmer Hall as a private refuge for his wife and children," they added. "Those two ways of seeing the estate inevitably clash."
Another insider pointed to the personal symbolism of the site's location. "At this point, the planning details and the personal relationships are deeply intertwined," the source said.
"The nickname 'King Muck' has stuck because this is Charles literally building a slurry pit next to his son's home, showing him who is boss with this one move."
Environmental Impact and Future of the Sandringham Estate
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Sources said Charles prioritized agriculture over family sensitivities.
The pit will be screened by landscaped earthworks planted with meadow grass and wildflowers, with estate officials saying mature vegetation will reduce visual impact.
Charles assumed control of the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate in 2017 after Prince Philip stepped back from public life, with around half the land farmed directly and the rest leased to tenants.
As debate continues, one palace source said the nickname reflects more than humor.
"There are jokes flying around about this being the dirtiest royal dispute yet," the insider added. "But underneath that, the feeling is serious – for the locals, and for William, the consequences are very real."
