David Beckham: A Knighthood Finally Achieved After Years of Near Misses

Football icon David Beckham is finally set to be awarded a knighthood, a prestigious honor he has long awaited. According to revelations, the 50-year-old sports legend will be officially recognized as `Sir` in the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours list, to be announced next week. His wife, the former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, will consequently be known as Lady Beckham.

This news brings a welcome wave of positivity to the Beckham household, especially amid recent reports of a strained relationship between their eldest son, Brooklyn, and his wife, Nicola Peltz. For years, politicians and fellow athletes have advocated for “Golden Balls” to receive this esteemed distinction.

Beckham, who earned an OBE in 2003 for his services to football, has cultivated a strong rapport with King Charles. Their growing friendship, particularly Beckham`s role as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, was subtly highlighted last month when the monarch appeared to hint at the impending award during the Chelsea Flower Show. Sharing a mutual interest in horticulture, Beckham sported the King`s rose, and a brief exchange between them further suggested the honor was imminent.

The Long Road to Recognition

The path to knighthood has not been without its obstacles for Beckham. He was first nominated in 2011, following his crucial involvement in securing the London 2012 Olympics bid. However, his nomination was reportedly blocked by the Honours Committee due to his past involvement in a tax avoidance scheme. With his financial affairs reportedly cleared by tax authorities several years ago, the path was finally open.

Many expected the knighthood in 2022 after he famously queued for 13 hours alongside the public to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II`s coffin, but the honor did not materialize then. He also narrowly missed out on the New Year Honours List last December, with former England football manager Gareth Southgate receiving the award instead.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Beyond his illustrious football career, which saw him play 115 times for England and win titles in four countries, David Beckham is widely recognized for his extensive charitable work. He became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador two decades ago and was a founding member of Malaria No More`s leadership council in 2009. His recent appointment as a charity ambassador by King Charles underscores his commitment to philanthropic endeavors, focusing on community building, traditional skills, and environmental harmony.

Beckham expressed enthusiasm for supporting The King`s Foundation’s education programs and promoting greater access to nature, even exchanging beekeeping tips with the King. In 2020, he famously supported a campaign to save the Poppy Appeal alongside Chelsea Pensioners, expressing his awe for the veterans.

More recently, to mark his 50th birthday, he encouraged donations for UNICEF and delighted the Brentford Penguins, a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome, with a surprise training session joined by his son Romeo. With a combined estimated net worth of £500 million with Victoria, David Beckham`s long and impactful career, coupled with his significant charitable contributions, culminates in this long-awaited royal recognition.

The formal announcement of the honours list is expected later this month, with the government traditionally refraining from comment beforehand.