2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Beckham's knighthood at risk after 'news leaked' early
According to reports, David Beckham's knighthood could be at risk before it's even confirmed.
It's been reported that David Beckham's alleged knighthood could be at risk before it even gets made official. The football star is reportedly including in the King's upcoming Birthday Honours list, which will be announced this month.
Beckham's reported knighthood comes after years of being snubbed from the list. The England and Manchester United star would finally become a Sir after calls for years to see him given the honour.
Beckham, who turned 50 back at the start of May, has been a British icon for years and had long been tipped to become another of football's Sirs. His wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham, according to reports.
But the Mirror reports that due to the early announcement of the honour, which would be confirmed by The Gazette - the UK's official public record in which the official Honours Lists are released alongside other public notices and information - David might end up missing out after all.
A source has told the Mirror: "David's long-awaited knighthood could be on the ropes after the news leaked."
"David has wanted this knighthood for many years so the last thing he needs is the horse bolting before he's able to close the stable door. But, there are rules and protocols that those being awarded Honours must abide by – including a strict embargo on keeping hush hush before The Gazette shares the list."
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has chimed in.
The former Editor of The International Who's Who, explained: "There is a theoretical threat that names leaked before the Honours List is officially announced could have their honours removed. This is highly unlikely especially given the number of high-profile names leaked ahead of receiving their honours in the past, which have included Barbara Windsor and Tim Henman.
"A whistleblower revealed Tim Henman's upcoming OBE award in December 2003. The leak included a memo from the main Honours committee and prompted concerns about the process, which ultimately led to much-needed reform.
"Also, news of the late Barbara Windsor's Damehood in the 2016 New Year's Honours list was released, together with others, before the official announcement. This caused controversy, prompting an inquiry."
He added: "However, Honours list leaks aren't new, In 2019, a government report containing names and addresses of recipients was accidentally published. Also, a leak in 2003 revealed a secret list of 300 who had previously declined honours."
Richard went on to suggest a 'mole' in the system, reports the Mirror. He said: 'It appears there periodically seems to be a 'mole' in the system.
'If the leak had come from David's camp, then there may be a risk to his knighthood, but that most emphatically does not seem to be the case."
"It is extraordinary that there has been no knighthood for David Beckham yet. He turned 50 in May and he is a phenomenon who only has an OBE. His charity work for UNICEF, helping to bring the Olympics to London and his incredible career achievements over the years, make the knighthood he will shortly be receiving long overdue."
