David Beckham officially knighted by King Charles: ‘A truly humbling honor'
David Beckham scored a major goal on Friday.
The retired athlete, 50, was officially knighted by King Charles. The star-studded ceremony takes place biannually and means that David is now Sir David Beckham. In turn, Victoria Beckham's new title is Lady Beckham.
David couldn't be more thrilled to have his new title bestowed on him.
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8 The King and David Beckham at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
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'Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,' he said in a statement. 'To have played for an captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.'
Throughout his soccer career, David played for Manchester United and accumulated 115 appearances for England, including 59 as the team captain.
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'Off the pitch I hav been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world an work with incredible oganisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation,' his statement continued.
8 The King's Foundation Awards ceremony in London.
Chris J. Ratcliffe/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for the work that gives me so much fulfillment,' David concluded. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.'
On Thursday, the British monarch hosted the King's Foundation's annual awards ceremony at St. James' Palace in London, where David was in attendance. Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci, Penny Lancaster and Meryl Streep were also among the 200 guests.
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In 2024, David announced he was eager to begin working with the foundation to help inspire the younger generation in his home country.
8 David Beckham.
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'I'm excited to be working with The King's Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity's work,' he stated.
'I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons,' David admitted, 'and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation's education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.'
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David previously received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) title for services to football, which he was presented by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.
Victoria, 51, and their sons Brooklyn, 26, and Romeo, 22, and his grandparents attended the ceremony at Buckingham Palace all those years ago.
8 David Beckham and King Charles shake hands.
POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Not only have David and King Charles, 76, forged a friendship over the years, but the former midfielder had also been a longtime fan of the late Queen.
After her death in 2022, David lined up at Westminster Hall to view the Queen's coffin, telling BBC that he waited just over 12 hours.
He also got emotional, wiping away tears once he was inside.
'We all want to be here together and experience and celebrate the amazing life of our queen,' David told reporters. 'I think that something like this today here together is meant to be shared.'
8 David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend a dinner in celebration of Slow Food at King Charles III's Gloucestershire estate.
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These days, much like the royals, the Beckhams — who also share son Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 13 — are a family divided. For months, there have been rumors that Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Peltz, who tied the knot in 2022, have been in a feud with David and Victoria.
However, the drama hit an all-time high when the young couple failed to attend his dad's 50th birthday bash in May.
A source told Us Weekly at the time that the 'bad blood' between Victoria and Nicola, 30, has left the soccer star and singer 'really upset.'
8 David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend the wedding of Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
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'David and Victoria just want all the drama to stop,' the insider said. 'They're really upset that it's all become so public. It's embarrassing for them, especially since they've always tried to come across as this super tight, united family.'
'Victoria wants all of her kids to get along and wants everyone to move on. It's upsetting for her to see as a mother.'
However, the source noted that this rift started long before Brooklyn and Nicola got married.
'Things never really got smoothed over, and you can tell it still affects everyone,' they explained. 'The tension is still present and it's hard for Brooklyn at times. Brooklyn's having a tough time with it. He's super stubborn and just wants space from his family right now.'
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8 David and Victoria Beckham pose with their kids.
nicolaannepeltzbeckham/Instagram
Amid the tension, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had Brooklyn and Nicola over for dinner at their home in Montecito, Calif., in May.
'Brooklyn and Nicola were invited before David's numerous global birthday galas, so the timing is pure coincidence,' a source told People last month.
'While it was an intimate gathering, there were several additional guests, including VIPs and film executives,' the insider shared. 'Brooklyn and Nicola had a wonderful time and found Harry and Meghan to be particularly kind, caring and generous.'
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David, Victoria, Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, were at one time all close pals.
8 Britain's King Charles poses for a photo with Penny Lancaster, left, David Beckham, Meryl Streep, 4th right, and Kate Winslet, 3rd right, at the King's Foundation Awards ceremony, on the 35th anniversary of The King's Foundation, at St James's Palace.
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But after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from their royal duties and relocated across the pond in 2020, it was reported this past November that Megan and Victoria were 'no longer on speaking terms.'
'I think the Beckhams have distanced themselves from Meghan and Harry, but for the obvious reasons that we all know, you know Meghan and Harry are in the descendant, not the ascendant,' royal commentator Ingrid Seward claimed.
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