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He left the Reagans in 1991 for a position with the Margaret Thatcher Foundation, a di cult decision but one that would open new possibilities.
In 1995 in London, the city was abuzz with Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece’s wedding preparations. Robert remembers sitting on the terrace of the Forbes House in Battersea, adjusting to a new work environment and to being “the Ameri- can.” When the butler announced that there was a phone call for him from Buckingham Palace, he rst thought someone was play- ing a prank. The following meeting with His Royal Highness’ sta members would set the rst stone to a new career path that would make Robert Higdon the man in charge of establishing good relations with Ameri- can philanthropists to support HRH Prince Charles’ many charitable e orts.
He started working for the Prince of Wales Foundation in 1997. Princess Diana was killed later that year. He would stay with the organization for 14 years, working for and with the world’s elite. His schedule is best described as “always-on.”
Lodging and working in the most beautiful mansions and seeing talented interior de- sign professionals at work has in uenced Robert Higdon's approach to design. “I ob- served Californian designer Ted Graber when he redecorated the White House during Nancy and Ronald Reagan’s residence and I was there when Robert Kime renovated Clarence House for Prince Charles.” There are too many others to name–he witnessed the best architects, designers, and deco- rators at work. He absorbed, he learned, he added his personal taste, and on his rare days at home, his residence in Washington DC and a country home in Virginia became projects and masterpieces that were soon admired by friends. “First, they asked me to help them decorate their homes as well,” he remembers. “Then a friend said, ‘I will pay you to decorate my house.’” Among his clients and friends who have relied on his taste and opinion were Joan Rivers and Linda Carter.
ROBERT HIGDON
WATERFRONT LIVING
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