Football icon David Beckham is reportedly finally set to be awarded a knighthood, according to sources.
The 50-year-old legend is anticipated to become `Sir` David in the King’s Birthday Honours list, which is due to be announced next week.
His wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, will subsequently be known as Lady Beckham.
Beckham, a former star for England and Manchester United, has reportedly long desired this prestigious honour.
The news will likely bring some positive cheer to the Beckham family, amid reports of tension with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.
Over the years, numerous politicians and fellow sports personalities have publicly supported calls for “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.
The father of four, who played 115 times for England and has made significant charitable contributions, has recently formed a strong relationship with King Charles.
The monarch seemingly offered a hint last month that the long wait might be ending.
Coveted Honour
Beckham, known for his love of the countryside and serving as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, was seen meeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show.
He shares King Charles`s passion for horticulture and wore the King’s rose symbol on his lapel.
During their encounter, Charles reportedly asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”, to which Beckham responded: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
Formal letters inviting recipients to accept honours are typically dispatched weeks in advance, suggesting that one may have already arrived at David’s home at the time of this conversation.
Beckham was first put forward for a knighthood nomination in 2011, following his instrumental role in helping London secure the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
However, his potential knighthood was blocked by the Honours Committee after his involvement, along with many other notable figures, in a tax avoidance scheme came to light.
Beckham retired from playing professional football in 2013. His financial affairs were reportedly cleared by tax authorities over four years ago, paving the way for him to potentially receive the sought-after honour.
Many anticipated the knighthood might be awarded in 2022, particularly after he joined the public queue for 13 hours to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth II as she lay in state in Westminster.
Despite this, he remained waiting for the honour.
Reports suggest he narrowly missed out on being included in the New Year Honours List published last December.
Former England football manager Gareth Southgate was awarded a knighthood in that list.
David had previously been appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for his services to football.
He received the OBE from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, attended by his proud wife Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents.
David and Victoria, who achieved global fame with the Spice Girls before establishing herself as a successful fashion designer, are estimated to have a combined net worth of £500 million.
David also has an extensive history of charitable engagements, a factor that would have been taken into consideration by the Honours Committee officials.
Last year, he was formally appointed as a charity ambassador by the King. The keen beekeeper Beckham reportedly expressed great enthusiasm about collaborating with the monarch.
Charles invited Beckham to his Highgrove estate to gain deeper insight into the charity`s work, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony.”
Tours of the Highgrove grounds contribute funding to workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footballer met students engaged in woodworking and embroidery.
At the time, Beckham commented on his excitement about working with The King`s Foundation and helping to raise awareness of its activities. He stated his ongoing commitment to helping young people broaden their opportunities and specifically mentioned his anticipation for supporting the Foundation`s education programs and efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature. He also spoke of a personal goal to learn more about rural skills, which are core to the Foundation`s mission, and found it inspiring to hear from the King about the work during his Highgrove visit, even exchanging beekeeping tips.
In 2020, he partnered with the Chelsea Pensioners to support a campaign aimed at safeguarding the Poppy Appeal during the challenging Covid lockdown period.
He described himself as being “in awe” of the veterans as he personally delivered poppies to their London headquarters.
Beckham, also father to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has a long history of charitable work, particularly focused on children, having been appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador twenty years ago.
To mark his 50th birthday last month, he encouraged donations to the children`s charity.
He was also a founding member of the leadership council for the charity Malaria No More in 2009, contributing to efforts to eradicate the disease and even visiting Downing Street to highlight the cause.
In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins, a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome, by visiting them to celebrate their win of a Who Cares Wins award.
He was accompanied by his son Romeo, also a footballer, to lead a surprise training session.
David celebrated his 50th birthday last month with a series of parties, though Brooklyn was reportedly not present.
The official honours list is expected to be formally announced later this month.
The government traditionally refrains from commenting on honours recipients prior to the official announcement.
