Beckham rose unveiled after daughter's request

A rose named after Sir David Beckham has been unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show.

It was created by Shropshire-based David Austin Roses at the request of Sir David's daughter, Harper, when he celebrated his 50th birthday last year.

The company said she wanted the shrub rose to be "something enduring," which she imagined would "grow alongside their family".

The Sir David Beckham Rose formed part of this year's David Austin's Cotswold Garden display at Chelsea.

A year ago the former England and Manchester United footballer met King Charles wearing another of David Austin's creation's in his lapel - the King's Rose.

This year, the pair met again at a garden display they collaborated on, with the help of veteran gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

It included an arrangement featuring the King's Rose, the Sir David Beckham Rose and a third rose named after Titchmarsh.

The King's Foundation Curious Garden aims to encourage people to "get curious" about gardening and was filled with gnomes, artwork, dangling plants, balls of yarn, jars of honey and even vodka.

David Austin Roses, which is based near Albrighton, said the Sir David Beckham Rose had white blooms with kits of pink and yellow and golden stamens.

It said the flower had a fresh fragrance with a subtle hint of banana, honey, nougat, clove and myrrh.

For each rose sold, David Austin pledged to donate £2.50 to the King's Foundation, an organisation of which Sir David is an ambassador.

David Austin said work on the new variety of rose began last May, when Sir David celebrated his birthday.

It added it was asked by Harper Beckham to reflect her father's "love for the British countryside and the hours they share together in the family garden".

The family business said it connected with the sentiments behind her request.

It added: "We understand that a rose is more than just a plant; it is a living symbol of continuity and shared memories."

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