Wake up, Sir David!
David Beckham was knighted by King Charles III on Tuesday at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.
His wife Victoria Beckham, who was also present at the ceremony, was also given a new title: Lady Beckham.
“I’ve obviously been lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and accomplished what I’ve done, but to receive an honor like knighthood is beyond anything I ever thought I would receive,” the 50-year-old former athlete told Britain’s PA media news agency via CNN after the ceremony.
“Honestly, it’s a great pleasure for a boy from the east end of London, born in Leytonstone and here at Windsor Castle, to be honored by the most important and most respected institution in the world, His Majesty the King,” he concluded.
Victoria, 51, made the suit she wore to accept the honour.
The retired athlete said the King had “been quite a bit of inspiration” for his appearance over the years.
“I saw an old photo of him when he was younger, when he was still wearing his morning suit, and I thought, ‘Okay, this is what I want to wear,’ so I gave it to my wife and she did it.”
He added that King Charles was “very impressed” with his clothing choice.
David’s parents, Sandra West and Ted Beckham, were also in attendance.
David’s three children, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, supported their father on his big day.
“No one deserves this more than you. I love you so much, Dad, congratulations 😂,” Romeo wrote, along with a photo of himself, his two younger brothers and their parents.
Conspicuously absent was her eldest son Brooklyn, 26, who has had a rocky relationship with the family in recent years.
Brooklyn was in Atlanta attending an AdWeek event promoting his company’s hot sauce products.
David was honored for his ‘contribution to sport and charity’.
The former Manchester United player has represented England in more than 100 international matches and is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
In 2015, he launched the 7 Foundation, which aims to help “children around the world, especially girls, break down the barriers that hold them back.”
Mr Beckham, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, has long been an avowed Royalist.
After the Queen’s death in 2022, he lined up for more than 12 hours to pay his respects.
