A garden gnome has reportedly been relocated by King Charles III as a playful way to keep staff alert at his countryside residence in the Cotswolds.

The monarch has been in charge of Highgrove in Gloucestershire since 1980, developing it with elaborate and thoughtfully planned gardens.

In fresh footage posted jointly on Instagram by the Royal Horticultural Society, Highgrove Gardens and The King’s Foundation, the 77-year-old sovereign was attributed with a whimsical custom during visits to the property.

Melissa Simpson, Director of Horticulture at The King’s Foundation, noted that a mysteriously shifting garden gnome has become an ongoing puzzle for the groundskeepers.

A post shared by The RHS In conversation on camera with RHS designer Frances Tophill, who contributes to The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, she explained that she believes the monarch is responsible for the repositioning.

She noted that there is a small gnome that appears to move around, and she is convinced the monarch is behind its relocation simply to keep the groundskeepers attentive and on their toes.

She also described Highgrove as a wonderful place to work, expressing admiration for the Cotswolds property.

The accompanying text for the video referenced the curious tradition of The King’s hidden gnome at Highgrove Garden.

This follows the King’s decision to revoke honours including OBEs and MBEs from several individuals this month.

Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel expressed approval that individuals are having their honours taken away from them.

She does not believe there is any way of preventing this from occurring. It seems difficult to predict who will act improperly.

She suggested that this demonstrates there is goodness and wickedness in everyone, but firmly stated that the honours system should not be abolished.

Approximately 99 per cent of recipients thoroughly deserve to be recognised for the remarkable and public-spirited things they have contributed to society, and for helping to improve the world.