It marked the latest development in Beckham’s ever-closer friendship with the King. Since he was named King’s Foundation Ambassador in June 2024, the footballing legend has swapped beekeeping tips with His Majesty at Highgrove House, joined his wife, Victoria, for the Qatari state banquet at Buckingham Palace, and returned to Highgrove for a black tie dinner to champion Anglo-Italian relations ahead of the King and Queen’s trip to Italy.
Monday was the first time that Beckham had visited the Chelsea Flower Show, rubbing shoulders with Charles and Camilla as he wore a new pink and white bloom, dubbed The King’s Rose, to his lapel. After thanking Their Majesties for what appeared to be a 50th birthday present, Beckham showed the flower to Queen Camilla, who was aptly dressed in a green floral dress. ‘Nice to see you again,’ she told the former footballer, ‘glad you got the roses.’
Queen Camilla holds a bunch of ‘The King’s Rose’ , created by David Austin Roses, during a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen herself may have found this year’s iteration of the Flower Show particularly poignant. On a tour of Monty Don’s dog-friendly garden, she will have seen the name of her late rescue terrier, Beth, inscribed on the path, as well as the name of her canine companion Bluebell, and new puppy, Moley. King Charles’ Lagotto Romagnolo, Snuff, also gets a shoutout on the garden path.