King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, recently participated in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where they made a special appearance alongside former England football captain, Sir David Beckham. The event took place on May 18, 2026, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, just a day before the show officially opened to the public.
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This year’s flower show was particularly notable as it marked the introduction of a new rose named in Beckham’s honour. The Sir David Beckham Rose, developed by David Austin Roses, is a celebration of the football star’s contributions both on and off the pitch. The creation of this rose was inspired by Beckham’s daughter, Harper, who commissioned it to honour her father’s 50th birthday in May 2025.
During the visit, King Charles and Sir David shared a light-hearted moment when the King paused to smell one of the rosettes. Beckham had festively pinned a rose to his lapel, and when asked by the King about its fragrance, he playfully remarked, “It smells amazing. Not as good as yours,” referring to the King’s own rose.
The affiliation between David Beckham and the royal family runs deep, with Beckham being knighted by King Charles in November 2025 for his services to sports and charitable efforts. Both Beckham and his wife, Victoria, have maintained close connections with the royal family over the years, attending numerous royal events, including the weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry.
The appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show was not just a casual meet-up but continued the dialogue initiated during a prior meeting at Highgrove House, where the King and Beckham discussed plans for The King’s Foundation Curious Garden at this year’s exhibition. This initiative aims to encourage people to explore the joys of gardening and environmental sustainability, reflecting both men’s shared passion for the outdoors.
A portion of the sales from the Sir David Beckham Rose will be donated to The King’s Foundation, which underscores Beckham’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability initiatives as an ambassador since 2024. The exhibition is widely regarded as “the world’s most famous flower show,” designed to educate and inspire visitors about horticulture.
The Chelsea Flower Show has a rich history, with the late Queen Elizabeth II attending almost every year throughout her reign, which lasted an unprecedented 70 years. The Queen’s love of horticulture was well known, and she played a significant role in promoting the event.
At the preview of the show, royal family members including Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, were also in attendance, along with actresses Dame Judi Dench and Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot. The event is not just a platform for showcasing floral displays but also serves as an opportunity for the royals and celebrities to mingle, celebrating British culture and tradition.
As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens its doors to the public, it promises to attract thousands of visitors eager to witness the creativity of the horticultural world, while also honouring outstanding individuals such as Beckham, whose contributions extend beyond the football field.