After a glittering football career that spanned more than two decades, David Beckham has finally received the one accolade that had long eluded him — a knighthood from King Charles III.
At Windsor Castle, in a moving and majestic ceremony, the 50-year-old football icon knelt before the monarch who gently touched him on both shoulders with his sword, officially bestowing upon him the title Sir David Beckham. It was a moment steeped in symbolism — one that reflected not only Beckham’s extraordinary sporting journey but also his lasting contributions to charitable causes around the world.
A Royal Moment Years in the Making
Beckham, dressed impeccably in a custom three-piece morning suit designed by his wife Victoria Beckham, stood beside his proud parents, Ted and Sandra Beckham, as they witnessed the culmination of their son’s lifelong dream. His devoted wife smiled warmly, dressed in an elegant navy gown from her own fashion house.
A string quartet played “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters as the King conducted the investiture, marking a blend of regal tradition and modern elegance.
The two men, who have bonded in recent years over their shared love of gardening and beekeeping, exchanged a friendly handshake and a few lighthearted words. King Charles reportedly complimented Beckham on his suit — to which the new knight replied that his wife had designed it herself.
“I’ve been lucky to win what I’ve won and to achieve what I have, but to receive an honour like this — a knighthood — is beyond anything I ever imagined,” Beckham said emotionally after the ceremony.
“For a boy from the East End of London, born in Leytonstone, standing here at Windsor Castle being honoured by His Majesty the King — it’s my proudest moment.”
David Beckham received his knighthood for services to sport and charity from King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday morning. The former footballer revealed the monarch complimented him on his suit
Sir David bowed before the King while being recognised for his services across sport and charity on Tuesday morning
Romeo Beckham later posted a Beckham family photo with Sir David, Victoria, Cruz and Harper – but no Brooklyn, with whom there is a high-profile rift
A proud Sir David shows off his medal in the grounds of Windsor Castle while accompanied by wife Victoria, who designed and made his suit as a gift
A Ceremony of Pride and Reflection
The newly knighted Beckham was joined by his three younger children — Romeo, Cruz, and Harper — who later shared family photos online. His eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, was notably absent amid ongoing reports of tension between him and his father.
In a reflective speech afterward, Beckham revealed that the King had not only praised his appearance but also discussed their mutual appreciation for sustainable living and philanthropy. “He’s the most elegantly dressed man I know,” Beckham said of King Charles. “He’s inspired quite a few of my looks over the years.”
(L-R) Ted Beckham, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham and Sandra Beckham outside Windsor Castle on Tuesday morning
A Dream Once Derailed
For Beckham, this moment was more than just ceremonial. A decade ago, such an honour seemed out of reach.
In 2014, his name was briefly considered for a knighthood before being withdrawn due to involvement in what was later confirmed as a legal tax scheme. Frustrated and disappointed, he publicly expressed anger when he was later excluded from the Honours list in 2017.
Yet Beckham continued his charity work steadfastly. His enduring partnership with UNICEF, which began in 2005, became the cornerstone of his public service. The organisation — along with the British Fashion Council — later put his name forward for consideration, citing his decades of advocacy for children’s rights and his fundraising initiatives.
One particularly notable project was Beckham’s birthday campaign, where he asked supporters to donate to children’s causes instead of sending gifts — a gesture that deeply impressed the honours committee.
‘We have very similar interests, beekeeping … he’s into bees, I’m into bees, he’s into the countryside, I’m into the countryside,’ he said of the King in January
The King and the Footballer
Beckham’s relationship with King Charles has grown warmer in recent years. The two first met at the British Fashion Council Awards in 2023, where Beckham gifted the monarch a jar of his homemade honey labeled “D Bee’z Sticky Stuff.” The King was reportedly delighted, and the pair bonded instantly over their mutual love of bees.
They met again at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2024, and Charles later invited Beckham to join The King’s Foundation, which supports education and sustainable development — a cause close to Beckham’s heart.
“I’ve always been a huge royalist,” Beckham told Town & Country magazine earlier this year. “I grew up in a family that adored the royal family. When the King asked me to join his foundation, I called my mum immediately. My grandparents would have been so proud.”
The Suit Fit for a Knight
Behind Beckham’s perfectly tailored appearance was a secret months-long project by his wife, Victoria. When she learned her husband would finally receive his knighthood, she personally designed and crafted his three-piece suit — the first men’s suit ever produced under her Victoria Beckham label.
“David always teases Victoria that she never makes him clothes,” a friend told The Daily Mail. “So she decided to make this one perfect. The fact that he’s wearing something she created makes the day even more special.”
Victoria’s fitted Bela dress in deep navy complemented David’s charcoal grey wool-mohair ensemble — both crafted in the UK as a tribute to British tailoring.
Victoria looked stunning in a fitted black dress made by the designer exclusively for their appearance at Windsor Castle
Sir David looked appropriately dapper in a grey three-piece suit made exclusively by his wife
A Legacy Beyond Football
Beckham’s legacy extends far beyond the pitch.
He is the only British footballer to win league titles in four countries — England, Spain, the United States, and France.
Starting with Manchester United in 1993, he captured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 1999 Champions League, securing the iconic treble under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He later joined Real Madrid, where he lifted the La Liga trophy in 2007, before heading to Los Angeles Galaxy, transforming soccer’s image in the U.S. by winning ten trophies with the club.
Beckham concluded his illustrious career with Paris Saint-Germain, ending on a high note with a Ligue 1 title in 2013.
On the international stage, he earned 115 caps for England, 58 as captain, across five major tournaments, including three World Cups. His unforgettable last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001, which sent England to the 2002 World Cup, remains one of the most iconic moments in British football history.
Philanthropy and Purpose
Beckham’s commitment to humanitarian work has been equally remarkable. Since 2005, he has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, launching the 7 Fund in 2015 to help children worldwide — especially young girls – overcome barriers such as violence, child marriage, and lack of education.
“Every child has the right to dream,” he said in a 20th-anniversary UNICEF video earlier this year. “And with the right support and opportunities, children can shape their own lives. That’s what keeps me going.”
In recognition of his two decades of advocacy, Beckham received the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum, celebrating his tireless dedication to improving children’s lives across the globe.
A Knight Among Icons
At the investiture, Beckham was honoured alongside Sir Mel Stride, the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for his political service. Other awardees included Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize-winning author of The Remains of the Day, and Dame Elaine Paige, the legendary West End performer celebrated for her career in music and charity.
From Leytonstone to Windsor
It’s hard to believe that this royal moment began decades ago in a small backyard in Leytonstone, where a young David Beckham tirelessly practiced free-kicks under the watchful eye of his father.
From those humble beginnings to standing before the King of England, Beckham’s story is a portrait of perseverance, grace, and gratitude.
“Our King is an incredible man,” Beckham said, reflecting on the day. “He’s been an inspiration for decades – his work, his compassion, his love for nature and young people. To be knighted by him is the greatest honour of my life.”
As Sir David Beckham left Windsor Castle with his family, his knighthood was more than just a recognition of athletic excellence – it was a celebration of service, integrity, and an enduring belief that even a boy from the East End can one day stand before a King.
Proud parents Ted and Sandra flanked the couple as they posed for photos in the grounds of Windsor Castle
Sir David, pictured here after England’s famous 5-1 thrashing of Germany in 2001, represented his country 115 times over a 13 year period
The legendary midfielder enjoyed huge success at Manchester United, where he won the European Cup in 1999 (pictured) before moving onto Real Madrid
The Real Madrid team of ‘Galácticos’ Sir David joined in 2003 included Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Raul and Luis Figo. All are pictured in Germany in 2004
January also marked 20 years since Sir David joined UNICEF as an ambassador, a milestone he marked in a special Instagram post looking back at his charity work over the decades
Various shots saw him shaking hands with people he met across his many trips and watching as children ran around and played sport
In one clip from the Instagram video, he was wearing a suit and tie while giving a speech at a UNICEF meeting