David Beckham was knighted for his charitable and athletic contributions
King Charles knighted David Beckham, one of the most renowned soccer players in Britain, at Windsor Castle on Tuesday in honor of his decades-long service to both sport and charity.
The 50-year-old former England soccer captain was given the honor in the royal residence almost 20 years after he was given another royal honor for his football-related contributions.
A longstanding fan of the royal family, Beckham wore a suit made by his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, who was once in the Spice Girls pop group.
“Isn’t getting any better.”
During the ceremony, he had a brief but cordial conversation with King Charles, who was seen to be laughing and smiling as they conversed.
When Beckham initially learned that he was being given the knighthood, he cried, he remarked after the event.
Beckham told reporters, “It’s such a big moment for our family and it’s so special,” adding that he wouldn’t mind if his children referred to him as “sir dad.”
“Being bestowed with such a unique honor makes me incredibly proud. He added, “It doesn’t get any better.” “I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London; I always wanted to be a professional football player; and then I’m standing here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world.”
GROWING FROM EAST LONDON TO WORLD STARDOM
Beckham, who was born in east London, joined Manchester United as a trainee two years later and made his Premier League debut in 1995. He later played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain before leading the team to six league titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.
He earned 115 caps for England before retiring in 2013.
Known for his accurate free kicks and ability to cross, Beckham rose to prominence as one of the most lucrative players of his time.
In addition to being a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005, he has collaborated with high-street store H&M, luxury brand Armani, Adidas (ADSGn.DE), opens new tab, and Pepsi (PEP.O). Beckham and his wife have a combined net worth of $500 million ($671 million), according to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List.
A MONARCHY-LINKED ‘HUGE ROYALIST’
Beckham has been a “huge royalist” and has long shown his appreciation for the lineage.
When Queen Elizabeth II lay in state at Westminster Hall in 2022, Beckham refused to skip the line and stood in line for over 12 hours to pay his respects.
He said, “I grew up in a household of royalists,” to ITV at the time. “If my grandparents would have been [alive] today, I know that they would have wanted to be here.”
He was present at the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Additionally, Beckham and the King have become close, as they both have a passion for gardening.
The King’s Foundation, which promotes sustainability and education, named him an ambassador last year.
BEYOND THE PITCH LIFE
Victoria Adams, well known as “Posh Spice” from the all-female Spice Girls pop group, wed Beckham in 1999. The couple has four kids.
In two Netflix documentaries, they talked candidly about their love. During Beckham’s playing career, the show addressed the strains of celebrity, family conflicts, and the difficulties they encountered, such as media rumors and time spent apart because of his overseas transfers.
Beckham’s “greatest achievement” is his family, according to him.
