David Beckham, the renowned former England football captain turned beekeeping enthusiast, has found himself embroiled in controversy over his unconventional use of beehives to deter unwanted visitors near his £12 million country mansion in Oxfordshire.
According to reports, Beckham has strategically placed additional beehives along the boundary of his property, purportedly to discourage curious onlookers and ramblers from approaching too close.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the potential risks posed by swarming bees near a public footpath, especially with the recent installation of new hives just 500 yards from Beckham’s existing nine hives, which he has maintained since 2021.
Beckham’s interest in beekeeping reportedly blossomed during the lockdown period, reflecting a growing trend among celebrities and public figures seeking solace and sustainable practices amidst the pandemic.
His enthusiasm for beekeeping was underscored by a recent mention of exchanging “beekeeping tips” with King Charles during a visit to the monarch’s Highgrove residence, highlighting Beckham’s dedication to the hobby.
Critics, however, argue that Beckham’s placement of the hives appears more aimed at deterring foot traffic rather than genuinely enhancing beekeeping practices.
They suggest that there is ample space available in adjacent fields for the hives, questioning the necessity of placing them so close to public pathways.
This controversy isn’t the first time Beckham has clashed with locals since relocating to the area with his wife Victoria and their four children in 2017.
Previous disputes have included allegations of attempting to construct a road over a public footpath for a greenhouse and plans to create a large lake on their property, both of which drew scrutiny and opposition from nearby residents.
Read More: Billy Ray Cyrus Scores Major Victory in Firerose Divorce Case
The Beckhams, known for their efforts to maintain privacy and seclusion at their Grade II listed barn conversion, have invested significantly in landscaping and tree planting to obscure views from public paths.
Their estate boasts luxurious amenities such as a sauna, safari tent, and football pitch, reflecting their commitment to creating a private sanctuary away from the public eye.
As the debate over Beckham’s use of beehives continues to unfold, it underscores broader issues of privacy, public access rights, and the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in managing their estates within communities.
The outcome of this controversy could potentially shape future interactions between celebrities and their neighbors in rural settings, highlighting the delicate balance between privacy and public interest in today’s media-saturated world.
