Football icon David Beckham is the latest famous face to back the monarch’s education and training charity
WORDS: REBECCA RUSSELL PHOTOS: COURTNEY LOUISE PHOTOGRAPHY/ THE KING’S FOUNDATION/PA, GETTY
WHOLE NEW BALL GAME
King Charles has teamed up with David Beckham, with the announcement that the football legend has become an ambassador for the King’s Foundation.
David, 49, who joins the likes of TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and property expert and presenter, Sarah Beeny, expressed his delight at being able to support those individuals who are helped by the foundation.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work,” the former England star said. “I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.”
David has been a fan of the royal family since he was a boy and has become a regular fixture at high-profile events, including the weddings of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
There is an interesting added connection between the former footballer and the King, as David frequently documents his love of beekeeping on social media – a passion he shares with the 75-year-old monarch and the Princess of Wales.
“If you’re heading up a charity and looking for new ambassadors, the number one priority is to get people who attract attention,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK! “Enter David Beckham. He’s the perfect fit and the beekeeping connection was a sweet stroke of genius!
“David has been a favourite of the younger royals for years. Why not? He’s cool and has openly adored the royal family since he was a child.”
David visited the King at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, where he was given an opportunity to learn more about the foundation and some of its educational programmes at workshops.
Reflecting on what he had learnt, father-of-four David said, “Having developed a love for the countryside, I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills, which is so central to the foundation’s work.
“It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of
