In a surprising career pivot, Sir David Beckham is trading football pitches for flower beds as he prepares to co-design a garden for the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The former England captain will collaborate with The King's Foundation and the Royal Horticultural Society on a special project for the 2026 event.
From Football Legend to Gardening Ambassador
Sir David Beckham's newfound passion for horticulture has taken a royal turn, with the football icon now working directly with The King's Foundation, the educational charity founded by King Charles III. Beckham serves as a proud ambassador for the organisation, and this project represents his most significant gardening venture to date.
He won't be working alone. The former Manchester United star will be joined by fellow ambassador and gardening television legend Alan Titchmarsh CBE. Together, they will assist horticulturalist and television presenter Frances Tophill, who is leading the design of what's being called the 'Curious Garden'.
The Vision Behind the Curious Garden
The garden aims to inspire the nation to discover the joys of gardening and understand the crucial role plants play in supporting human health, community spaces, and planetary wellbeing. Organisers describe it as 'brimming' with practical ideas that people can implement at home, whether they have a windowsill, container garden, or larger outdoor space.
The 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show will run from May 19-23 at its traditional location on the banks of the River Thames in London. The garden will champion curiosity, encouraging people to grow and propagate diverse plant varieties while learning how gardening positively impacts health, happiness, and environmental sustainability.
Sir David shared his enthusiasm for the project, explaining: '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.'
Building on a Growing Passion
Beckham's transformation from East End boy to countryside enthusiast began eight years ago when he purchased his 24-acre Cotswolds estate near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Since then, he has become deeply involved in transforming the property, planting hundreds of trees, installing a lake to attract waterfowl, and maintaining an extensive kitchen garden.
The hands-on gardener grows plums, pears, apples, kale, potatoes, onions, carrots, salads, and various root vegetables while also keeping bees. He has described gardening as 'therapeutic' and regularly shares his horticultural adventures on social media, where he has developed an unlikely fanbase including the King himself.
The collaboration comes shortly after Beckham received his knighthood from King Charles earlier this month, cementing their 'mutually-appreciative relationship'. The project will also involve garden apprentices and trainees from both The King's Foundation's gardens and the RHS, celebrating traditional craftsmanship skills in woodwork and other arts.
After the show concludes, the garden will be relocated to an urban setting specifically aimed at engaging young adults, though its final destination won't be announced until next year.
