King Charles III, Queen Camilla, David Beckham and Cate Blanchett celebrate sustainability and dogs at the Chelsea Flower Show’s grand opening
The prestigious Chelsea Flower Show opened its gates on Monday with a star-studded mix of royals and celebrities, drawing attention to sustainability, nature, and, unusually, dogs taking centre stage. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the first guests to explore the stunning gardens, joined by football legend David Beckham, actress Cate Blanchett, and other notable personalities.
This year’s event strongly focuses on rewilding and sustainable gardening, reflecting the urgent need to address climate change and reconnect with nature. The show’s designs feature native plants, mossy paving, and gravel paths that evoke natural landscapes shaped by shifting environmental conditions.
King Charles, a longtime patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), arrived at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to a warm welcome by RHS president Keith Weed. The King’s passion for environmental conservation was evident as he toured the displays, alongside Queen Camilla, who admired the delicate blooms of “The King’s Rose,” a creation by David Austin Roses.
While the botanical displays impressed, one unique garden stole the spotlight: the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, designed by renowned gardener Monty Don. This garden was created with canine comfort in mind, featuring dog-friendly lawns, shaded areas, and water features perfect for cooling off. Unusually for Chelsea, four-legged visitors were given prime billing, celebrating the special bond between dogs and their owners.
The Dog Garden is a heartfelt tribute to beloved royal pets, with bricks engraved with names such as the late Beth, Queen Elizabeth II’s cherished Jack Russell, the Queen’s new puppy Moley, and King Charles’s dog Snuff. Monty Don, known for his honest critiques of show gardens, revealed that this canine-focused creation had won his heart.
The Dog Garden will not be judged at the show, nor will it remain at Chelsea. Instead, it will be relocated to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, ensuring a lasting legacy that benefits dogs in need.
Among the guests enjoying the show’s preview were Dame Joanna Lumley, celebrated for her elegance and charm, and actor David Tennant, both soaking in the floral splendour. BBC presenter Zoe Ball also joined the festivities, mingling with the crowd and sharing the excitement on air.
David Beckham, known as much for his style as his football career, charmed onlookers as he strolled through the gardens. Alongside Cate Blanchett, the visitors reflected a blend of sport, art, and royalty celebrating nature’s beauty and the importance of sustainability.
The Chelsea Flower Show continues to be a highlight of the horticultural calendar, showcasing innovative garden designs while embracing pressing environmental themes. This year, with its focus on native planting and climate resilience, it offers a hopeful vision for greener urban spaces and a renewed connection to the natural world.
As the show progresses, visitors will enjoy a rich tapestry of colours, scents, and textures, with this year’s event marking a memorable moment where gardening, celebrity, and canine companionship meet.
