Royal decorator took his own life after King Charles criticised one of his paint jobs, inquest hears
A royal decorator, Christopher John Eadie, tragically took his own life after experiencing distress over a job criticized by King Charles and diminishing work opportunities.
Christopher John Eadie, a 63-year-old decorator who served the Royal Family, was found dead in the garden of his Sandringham estate home, a decision attributed to overwhelming distress regarding his work situation. An inquest revealed that King Charles had requested that a recently completed paint job be redone, which intensified Eadie's feelings of inadequacy and failure. The decorator had dedicated over 30 years to the estate, having previously worked on projects for the late Queen, earning him a reputation for excellence within the Royal household.
Those close to Eadie spoke to the pressures and expectations he felt as a highly skilled craftsman. His brother Mark Eadie described Chris's perfectionism, which led him to be often entrusted with the most significant and visible jobs. However, dwindling opportunities for work and the critical feedback from the King were reported to have taken a severe toll on Eadie's mental health, ultimately resulting in his tragic decision.
The incident has raised discussions regarding the mental health challenges faced by tradespeople and professionals working in high-pressure environments, particularly those connected to public figures. This tragedy not only highlights the consequences of workplace stress but also points to the need for better support systems within such roles to help individuals cope with pressure and expectations, especially when backed by public scrutiny and royal standards.