Why England Legend David Beckham Was Honoured with a Knighthood by King Charles
Former England captain Sir David Beckham has been officially knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding services to football and his contributions to British society.
The 50-year-old received the honour during a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in Berkshire on Tuesday. Beckham had earlier been named on the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his achievements both on and off the pitch.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” Beckham said after the ceremony. “People know how patriotic I am — I love my country. I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family. I feel lucky to have travelled around the world and see how much people admire our monarchy. It makes me proud.”
Beckham was accompanied by his wife Victoria Beckham, who designed and made the suit he wore, as well as his parents, Sandra and David. He revealed that King Charles admired his outfit, saying:
“He’s the most elegantly dressed man I know. He’s inspired many of my looks over the years, and he definitely inspired this one. I looked at pictures of him when he was younger in morning suits, and I asked my wife to make something similar.”
Beckham’s knighthood celebrates a career that made him one of England’s most iconic sports figures. He played 115 times for England, captained the national team for six years, and represented his country in three World Cups and two European Championships.
After rising through Manchester United’s academy, Beckham spent 11 years in the first team before moving to Real Madrid in 2003. He later played for LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, retiring in 2013.
However, Beckham’s influence extends beyond football. He helped promote London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, and since 2005 has been a UNICEF ambassador, creating the 7 Fund in 2015 to support children around the world.
In 2024, Beckham became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, backing projects that teach young people about nature and sustainability.
Beckham, who was awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, also earned public admiration for queuing over 12 hours to pay his respects when the Queen lay in state in 2022.
Aside from his humanitarian work, Beckham is part-owner of Salford City FC and co-owner of Inter Miami CF in the United States, where he continues to promote the growth of football globally.
His knighthood marks the latest recognition of a remarkable journey — from a boy growing up in east London to one of Britain’s most celebrated sportsmen and global ambassadors.
