Inside Sir David's knighthood and how it will change Beckhams amid feud

Daily Mirror

a day ago

EXCLUSIVE: David Beckham has become a Sir, as it has been announced in the King's Birthday Honours List that he is set to receive a knighthood, which marks a string of changes for his family
All rise for Sir David Beckham! After days of excited speculation around David, 50, being awarded a knighthood, the news has finally been announced following the official release of the King's Birthday Honours List.
Sir David has been recognised on the King's Birthday Honours List, released this evening, which means a number of big changes for Goldenballs and his clan, including his former pop star turned fashion designer wife. Gone are the days Victoria will be nicknamed Posh, and she really has lived up to the moniker as Victoria, who received an OBE in 2017, also receives a new title with David's honour, and she will now be known as Lady Victoria Beckham.
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But, that's not the only change the Beckhams – who are currently facing a turbulent time amid their fallout with eldest son Brooklyn and wife Nicola – are set to undergo as Royal commentator and former editor of The International Who's Who, Richard Fitzwilliams, exclusively explains to the Mirror what Sir David's new knighthood will mean for himself and his family– and if he can use the titles right away, or if he has to wait until he kneels in front of the King who will knight him with a sword...
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David Beckham's knighthood – his and Victoria's new titles
Richard explains: "Just after his 50th birthday, David Beckham can celebrate his knighthood, which he can use as soon as the King's Birthday Honours list is officially announced later tonight.
"This means his wife Victoria, who already has an OBE in her own right, becomes Lady Beckham. She was a member of the Spice Girls, one of the most successful girl bands ever and is a talented designer."
Will David and Victoria's children receive new titles, too?
Each of the Beckham children are also famous, having grown up in front of the gaze of millions of fans. Although they have earned their own status' within the world of showbiz, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham won't get any royal recognition due to their dad's new title.
Richard tells us: "A knighthood is not hereditary, so there will be no direct benefit for his children, but they will or should be proud of him nonetheless."
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What does David's knighthood mean for his career?
David Beckham's football career, dashing good looks and celebrity marriage to Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, sorry Lady Beckham, has earned him worldwide celebrity status which has stood the test of time.
But, his knighthood will bring a whole new era in his career as Richard explains: "It is not just that he joins a unique band of fifteen knights who have been honoured for their services to football plus the footballing legend Pele, who has received an honorary knighthood. These include Sir Alex Ferguson, his mentor at Manchester United before they fell out, this will give David particular satisfaction, although they have since reportedly made up.
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"We live in an egalitarian age but David Beckham is a phenomenon with a profile that is unique. Owing to the saga of the leaked emails in 2017, we know how keen he was to have a knighthood. However, this is not the point.
"He is a phenomenon who has also used his fame for charitable purposes, this especially involves his invaluable and high profile work for UNICEF. Beckham has backed Britain whenever he can and his role in bringing the Olympics to London was invaluable.
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"Usually, a knighthood can mean increased respect and trust and also assist in expanding an individuals profile and opening new doors to show off their talent. Beckham defies categorisation, it would be impossible to be better known."
As well as catapulting David's career, it also puts to bed any past scandals – including those sweary leaked emails and the claims he had legally avoided tax.
Royal expert Richard continues: "This also, beginning with the knighthood for Sir Gareth Southgate, who was also allegedly involved in a tax avoidance scheme , closes the door on this issue. It was probably the main reason why it took so long for him to be honoured. The length of time reflected badly on the system as it is, on occasion, too slow to honour deserving individuals. In this case it was far too slow.
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"However it will not be forgotten that David is ardently patriotic. He queued for about twelve hours to pass Queen Elizabeth's coffin during the lying in state. He is also an ambassador for the King's Foundation.
"The media circus around the Beckhams is beside the point. At last he has the recognition he, as a former England captain with 115 caps for England and a global profile, deserves.
"When he and Victoria celebrate they will have the satisfaction of knowing that the vast majority of Britons will be pleased that, finally, he is receiving the knighthood he so richly deserves."
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What privileges will Sir David get as a knight?
With the prestigious title comes a string of VIP privileges only afforded to those who receive a knighthood.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams tells us: "The Chapel of Knights Bachelor is in St Paul's Cathedral and he would be entitled to request the use of the Chapel for weddings, baptisms and memorial services.
"As a knight he is also entitled to apply for a coat of arms – perhaps golden balls will feature!"
Meanwhile, like every person who has received a knighthood, Sir David will be treated to an official ceremony. The ceremony, which often happens at Buckingham Palace, will see David kneel in front of a monarch – which can be either the King or another member of the Royal Family such as Princess Anne or Prince William – who will then touch the recipient's shoulder with a sword.