Royal decorator hanged himself after criticism of his work by King Charles left him devastated

A self-employed decorator who worked for the Royal household for more than three decades was found dead after becoming distressed over criticism of his work by King Charles, an inquest has heard.

Chris Eadie, 63, who had carried out painting and decorating work at the Sandringham estate for over 30 years, was described as a perfectionist who took immense pride in his craftsmanship.

His brother, Mark Eadie, told Norfolk Coroner’s Court that the King had been unhappy with Mr Eadie’s painting of a pagoda on the estate and that the task was subsequently handed to another contractor. “After all his work, the job was given to someone else,” Mark said. “Chris was devastated.”

He told the hearing that his brother had long been trusted with significant assignments within the Royal household, including painting the bedroom of the Prince and Princess of Wales. According to Mark, Mr Eadie prided himself on completing “top jobs” for the late Queen and later for King Charles.

However, in recent years, work from the estate had become less frequent following management changes and the introduction of new contractors. The court heard that this shift had a profound effect on him.

Mark described his brother as a “talented perfectionist” who lived for his work and was deeply proud of the discreet roles he fulfilled for the Royal family.

Mr Eadie’s partner, Joanna, found him dead in the garden of his home on the Sandringham estate on October 10. A post-mortem examination concluded that he had died by hanging. The coroner recorded a conclusion of mental health deterioration rather than suicide.