COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND — In a gesture as elegant as it is heartfelt, Sir David Beckham has paid tribute to Prince William and Princess Catherine by planting a “William and Catherine” rose at his £12 million countryside estate.

The tribute, revealed during a recent tour of the Beckhams’ sprawling Cotswolds property featured in Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary, comes just weeks after David received his long-awaited knighthood for services to sport and charity.

A Rose Fit for Royalty

The “William and Catherine” rose, created by world-famous horticulturist David Austin in 2011 to commemorate the royal couple’s wedding, has long been admired for its creamy ivory petals and graceful fragrance — a symbol of enduring love and quiet strength.

“David wanted to do something that connected both his English roots and the royal friendship he’s proud of,” said a source close to the family. “The rose felt perfect — elegant, meaningful, and timeless.”

In the documentary, Victoria is seen walking through the couple’s immaculate garden, pausing at the new addition. With a fond smile, she praises her husband’s handiwork:

“He’s actually amazing in the garden. It’s his happy place — I’ve never seen him so calm.”

A Knight’s Tribute

The planting follows Beckham’s official knighthood, conferred in June in recognition of his decades-long contributions to football, youth programs, and humanitarian work.

For the former England captain, who has transitioned seamlessly from global sports icon to philanthropist and gentleman farmer, the moment marks both personal and patriotic milestones.

“Becoming ‘Sir David Beckham’ was deeply meaningful to him,” a friend shared. “He’s proud of his roots, proud of his service, and he wanted to celebrate in a way that reflected grace, not grandeur.”

Strengthening Royal Bonds

Beckham’s gesture also underscores his close and growing connection with the royal family. His friendship with the Prince and Princess of Wales stretches back years — from his appearances at major royal events to shared charitable causes.

He and Prince William have often collaborated on initiatives promoting youth sports and mental health, most notably through The Earthshot Prize and UNICEF partnerships. Beckham’s reputation for diplomacy and humility has reportedly earned him the admiration of both William and Catherine.

“William has always appreciated David’s sincerity,” said a royal insider. “He’s loyal, grounded, and he never forgets where he comes from — values both the Prince and Princess respect deeply.”

Shared Passions with the King

The footballer’s relationship with King Charles III has also quietly flourished in recent years, bonded by their mutual passion for nature and sustainability.

Beckham has become an avid beekeeper, often sharing videos of himself tending to his hives — a hobby famously shared by the King at his Highgrove estate.

“Charles finds it refreshing,” said a royal source. “David’s enthusiasm for the countryside — from bees to roses — shows a genuine love of the land. It’s something they both deeply understand.”

The two men have reportedly exchanged visits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Highgrove, discussing everything from environmental preservation to traditional British craftsmanship.

The Symbolism Behind the Gesture

To those who know him, Beckham’s tribute was more than an act of admiration — it was a statement of belonging.

“The rose represents continuity — the connection between service, tradition, and love,” said horticultural expert Fiona Lyle. “By planting it, Beckham isn’t just honoring William and Catherine; he’s celebrating the best of British character: devotion, humility, and grace.”

The “William and Catherine” rose, she noted, is particularly symbolic of the royal couple’s partnership: “strong, steady, and quietly beautiful.”

A Country Gentleman Reborn

Once the face of London’s fashion and football fame, Beckham has reinvented himself in recent years as a true country gentleman — tending his garden, raising bees, and embracing the rhythm of rural life.

“David’s transformation has been remarkable,” said a neighbor in Great Tew. “He’s gone from stadiums and spotlights to soil and stillness — and he loves it. The countryside suits him.”

The Beckham estate, a converted 17th-century farmhouse, now serves as a private retreat where the family grows vegetables, cares for animals, and enjoys outdoor dinners beneath string lights.

A Bloom That Bridges Worlds

For Beckham, the rose isn’t just a flower — it’s a bridge between his past and present, between celebrity and service.

“David and Victoria have built a life that balances glamour with groundedness,” said a family friend. “Planting that rose — for William and Catherine, for England — is his way of saying thank you. It’s humility dressed as elegance.”

The moment, captured briefly in the documentary’s closing scenes, has resonated with fans and royal watchers alike.

One viewer commented, “Only Beckham could make planting a rose feel like a royal ceremony.” Another wrote, “He’s honoring friendship, family, and the monarchy all at once — pure class.”

A Tribute Rooted in Respect

As the summer sun sets over the Cotswolds, the “William and Catherine” rose now blooms quietly in Sir David’s garden — its petals soft, its meaning profound.

For a man once defined by stadium lights and roaring crowds, the tribute marks a gentle evolution: from athlete to ambassador, from icon to cultivator of beauty and connection.

And somewhere, perhaps smiling at the thought, the Prince and Princess of Wales know that one of England’s greatest sons has found his truest field — not on the pitch, but in the garden, where friendship grows eternal.