Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Sir David Beckham: From Snub to Knighthood - The Journey of a Football Legend

David Beckham wearing a David Austin Roses 'King's Rose' speaks with King Charles at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show -- May 20, 2025

SHOCKING TWIST! David Beckham's Lifelong Dream Finally Comes True: A Royal Honour at Last!

In a move that has left many in awe, former Manchester United and England star David Beckham is set to be awarded a well-deserved knighthood by King Charles III. This surprise announcement comes as a thrilling culmination of the football icon's long-held ambition, which had been met with disappointment time and again over the years.

The 50-year-old sporting legend, who has just celebrated a milestone birthday, will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to British society when the King's Birthday Honours List is released next week. This prestigious honour will not only elevate Beckham to the esteemed rank of "Sir" but also grant his wife, the glamorous Victoria Beckham, the title of Lady Beckham.

David Beckham stands with his wife Victoria, as he shows off the OBE he received in November 2003

But what's behind this sudden change of heart from the monarchy? Sources close to the royal family reveal that a blossoming friendship between King Charles and David Beckham has played a significant role in securing his coveted knighthood. The two have reportedly developed a strong bond over their shared love of gardening, with the monarch even inviting the former England captain to join his charity, The King's Foundation.

Their first meeting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month was said to be a turning point in their relationship. As they chatted warmly about their mutual passion for horticulture, Charles III allegedly asked Beckham if he had received the birthday gift he and Camilla had sent, to which the footballer replied with gratitude, "It was incredible, thank you, it was very kind." The Queen Consort added, "Nice to see you again, glad you got the roses."

This unlikely friendship has been years in the making, with Beckham being an avid royalist since his schoolboy days in Chingford. His devotion to the monarchy has only grown stronger over time, as evident from his decision to stand for 12 hours in the famous public queue to see the late Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall last year.

Beckham shares a joke with the 76-year-old monarch at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show -- May, 2025

However, this journey to knighthood hasn't been without its ups and downs. Beckham's complicated tax affairs had once been viewed as a possible barrier to his honour, while his leaked emails from 2017 revealed his frustration with being snubbed by the honours committee. In one particularly fiery exchange, he allegedly criticized Katherine Jenkins' OBE, labelling it "a f** joke" due to her past controversies.

But all this seems to be water under the bridge now, as Beckham prepares to join an elite group of sports stars who have received knighthoods, including the late Sir Bobby Charlton and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The King's Foundation will undoubtedly be thrilled to have him on board, given their shared commitment to creating sustainable communities.

When asked about his friendship with the monarch, a source revealed that it has blossomed organically over the past 18 months. "The King and David have a very strong bond," they said. "They both enjoy the outdoors and actually have far more in common than you would think. They come from different backgrounds but have a close relationship."

Charles speaks to Beckham as they attend the inaugural King's Foundation charity awards at St James's Palace in London -- June, 2024

David Beckham's journey to becoming a Sir is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and the power of friendship. As one can only imagine, this momentous occasion will be a proud milestone not just for him but also for his loving family.

In related news, fellow rock star Rod Stewart joked last summer that Beckham's knighthood was "coming soon," echoing the sentiment expressed by King Charles himself at their Chelsea Flower Show meet-up. It seems like the writing has been on the wall all along!

Beckham's representatives have dismissed earlier claims of him criticizing the honours committee, stating that the emails were "hacked and doctored" from a private account.

The former Manchester United and England star, who recently celebrated his milestone 50th birthday, will be confirmed as a 'Sir' when the list is released next week

As the nation eagerly awaits the official announcement, one thing is certain: David Beckham's well-deserved knighthood will be a moment to remember for years to come.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Various royal sources

The tattooed ex-England star with his wife Victoria at a state dinner in celebration of Slow Food at King Charles's Gloucestershire estate

Charles speaks to the Beckhams during a dinner in celebration of Slow Food at his Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove Gardens -- February, 2025

Sir Rod Stewart joked last summer that Beckham's knighthood was 'coming soon'. The rock star, 80, pictured here in June 2024 holding up a £10 note showing the face of the late Queen

Sir Rod, Beckham, and Charles attend the inaugural King's Foundation charity awards at St James's Palace -- June, 2024

Queen Camilla talks with Dame Helen Mirren (left) and the Beckhams at King Charles's Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove House -- June, 2024

Beckham greets Queen Camilla during a dinner at Highgrove House -- February, 2025

David Beckham met with King Charles to offer him a jar of his own home-produced honey during an industry showcase event in May 2023

Sportsman David waited for 13 hours in the five-mile long queue to pay his respects to the late monarch after arriving at 2am, and even shed a tear when he reached the inside

Special occasion: Behind-the-scenes footage of David Beckham from the day he met the queen and received his OBE in 2003 for services to football

David shook hands with her majesty when he was made an OBE by the Queen in 2003