Former England captain Sir David Beckham has been formally knighted for his contributions to sport and British society.
The 50-year-old, who was named to King Charles’ Birthday Honours list earlier this year, was knighted by the King during a ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” said Beckham. “People know how patriotic I am—I love my country.
“I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.
“I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world, and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.”
Beckham was accompanied to Windsor Castle by his wife, Victoria, as well as his parents, Sandra and David.
Victoria, who was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to the fashion industry, designed and created the suit her husband wore at the castle.
“[King Charles] was quite impressed with my suit,” said Beckham.
“He’s the most elegantly dressed man that I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks over the years, and he definitely inspired this look.
“It was something that my wife made me.
“I looked at old pictures of him when he was quite young in morning suits, and I was like, ‘OK, that’s what I want to wear’—so I gave it to my wife, and she did it.”
Beckham made 115 appearances for his country and captained the Three Lions for six years, from 2000 to 2006.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder represented England in three World Cups and two European Championships.
Beckham graduated from United’s academy in 1992 and spent 11 years in the first squad before joining Real Madrid in 2003 for £25 million.
He spent four years in the Spanish capital before joining Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy. During his stint in Los Angeles, he went on loan to AC Milan twice before concluding his career with Paris St-Germain in 2013.
However, Beckham’s influence stretches well beyond the pitch.
He was born in east London and helped secure London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympics.
He has worked with the humanitarian aid organization UNICEF since 2005, and in 2015, a fund was dedicated in his honor to commemorate the two organizations’ decade-long cooperation.
Beckham, who received an OBE from Elizabeth II in 2003, waited for more than 12 hours to see the Queen lying in state after her death in 2022.
“It’s special to be here, to celebrate and to hear the different stories that people have,” Beckham said afterwards.
Beckham became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles’ education initiative and attempts to increase young people’s appreciation of nature.
He co-owns League Two club Salford City with former United and England teammate Gary Neville, and he also owns MLS outfit Inter Miami.
