David Beckham follows in Princess Kate’s lead with ‘rewarding’ project
The soccer icon — recently knighted for his contributions to sport and charity — will partner with horticulturist, author and TV presenter Frances Tophill to create a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2026. The project, titled “The Curious Garden,” aims to inspire people across the U.K. to discover the joy of gardening and recognize the essential role plants play in improving health, communities and the environment. Beckham, along with renowned gardener Alan Titchmarsh, will serve as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, helping support Tophill’s first-ever garden at the world-famous show.
Beckham Shares His Passion for Nature
In the official announcement, Beckham, 50, reflected on his lifelong love of the countryside:
“My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents. I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be, and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”
Since retiring from professional football, Beckham has embraced rural life at his family home in the Cotswolds, where he enjoys raising chickens and tending to bees. His interest in horticulture has also strengthened his connection to King Charles, a long-time champion of sustainability and nature.
Royal Connections and Recent Collaborations
Beckham joined the King at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show to celebrate the opening of the monarch’s new Highgrove Shop, featuring products created at Highgrove House. Sharing photos from the event, Beckham expressed excitement about encouraging young people to consider careers in horticulture, tagging both Titchmarsh and The King’s Foundation.
This new 2026 garden project will involve apprentices and trainees from The King’s Foundation, highlighting the craftsmanship of the charity’s woodworking students and graduates.
The initiative also follows a royal tradition: in 2019, the Princess of Wales designed a “Back to Nature” garden for the Chelsea Flower Show. Her children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — were featured enjoying the woodland-themed space in a widely loved video.
A Continuing Commitment to Youth and Education
Beckham’s latest role strengthens his ongoing commitment to youth education and outdoor access. After officially becoming an ambassador for The King’s Foundation last year, he stated:
“I’ve always been keen to help young people expand their horizons, and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programs and efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.”
On Nov. 4, Beckham was knighted by King Charles during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle — marking another milestone in his longstanding relationship with the British royal family.
NEED TO KNOW
David Beckham will represent King Charles at the 2026 Royal Chelsea Flower Show
Beckham, an avid gardener, will join horticulturists Frances Tophill and Alan Titchmarsh to create a garden display for the show
In 2019, Kate Middleton helped design a “Back to Nature” garden for the event
