David Beckham will guest-edit the 22 October edition of Country Life magazine to celebrate his 50th birthday, joining an exclusive group of royal guest editors.

The former England captain follows King Charles, who edited special issues in 2013 and 2018, Princess Anne who oversaw an edition in 2020, and Queen Camilla who produced a record-breaking sell-out issue in 2022.

The announcement confirms Beckham's transition from football icon to countryside enthusiast, with the father-of-four having embraced rural life since retiring from professional football in 2013.

It comes as he is expected to honoured with a knighthood by the King in his Birthday Honours list for his sporting career and charitable ventures.

David Beckham will guest edit Country Life magazine as King Charles and other senior royals have previously.

The special edition will be edited by Beckham alongside Editor-in-Chief Mark Hedges's 1,000th issue at the helm of the magazine.

Hedges revealed that when he first met the sports star two years ago, Beckham immediately expressed his enthusiasm for the publication.

"As soon as we were introduced, David told me how much he loves Country Life. He reads every issue from cover to cover and it's been a great companion to him as he's developed his own life in the countryside," Hedges said.

"I'm absolutely delighted that David has agreed to guest edit the magazine, especially as it will be my 1,000th issue since I became Editor," he added.

Hedges noted Beckham's deep affection for rural life has flourished since his retirement from professional football.

Beckham is expected to be honoured with a knighthood by King Charles in his Birthday Honours list.

Beckham and his wife Victoria acquired their £12 million Cotswolds estate in 2016, marking the beginning of their immersion into rural pursuits.

The property features a vegetable patch and orchard, but it was during the COVID-19 lockdown that Beckham discovered his passion for beekeeping.

His dedication to the hobby became evident when he met King Charles at the British Fashion Council Foundation Impact Day 2023, presenting the monarch with a jar of honey he had harvested from his own hives.

The former Manchester United star has fully embraced country living, transforming from one of football's most recognisable figures into a committed rural enthusiast.

King Charles and Beckham have been growing close in recent times.

Beckham became an ambassador for The King's Foundation last year, describing himself as "very honoured" when offered the position.

"Our King is an incredible man, he has not just been incredible for the last five, ten years, he's been an incredible man for decades," Beckham said.

The former footballer highlighted the common ground he shares with the monarch.

"We have very similar interests, beekeeping he's into bees, I'm into bees, he's into the countryside, I'm into the countryside, he's into empowering young people so I'm very honoured with that role," he explained.

The King and the former footballer have bonded over their shared love of the outdoors.

The friendship between Beckham and King Charles, and their shared passion for horticulture, was seen at the Chelsea Flower Show last month.

The green fingered former footballer was seen, wearing King's rose on his lapel, greeting and laughing with the Charles and Queen Camilla during the gardening show.

During the chummy scenes, the King asked him: "You got it, didn't you?"

Beckham replied: "It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind."