David Beckham received his long-awaited knighthood from King Charles III this Tuesday, during a ceremony held at Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. At 50 years old, the former England player and Manchester United idol was recognized for his contributions to sport and philanthropic work.
Accompanied by his wife Victoria Beckham and his parents, the now Sir David Beckham was thrilled to be decorated by the monarch, with whom he maintains a close friendship. The former Spice Girl, who is now officially known as Lady Beckham, proudly attended the ceremony alongside her family.
“I am immensely proud of this recognition. It is an honor that represents everything I have experienced on and off the field”, declared Beckham in a previous statement, when he learned of the nomination in the King’s Birthday Honours.
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The title marks the end of a wait of more than a decade. Beckham was first nominated for the honor in 2011, after serving as one of the ambassadors who helped the United Kingdom secure the London 2012 Olympic Games. At the time, however, his nomination was vetoed by the Honors Committee, due to his involvement in a tax evasion scheme, for which he was later acquitted.
Since then, Beckham has completely regularized his finances and maintained an active role in social causes, consolidating his image as an ambassador for British sport and a supporter of humanitarian initiatives.
The former midfielder, who retired in 2013, had already been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, granted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to football.
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Over the past few years, Beckham has strengthened ties with the royal family. He is an ambassador for the King’s Foundation and was even seen alongside Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show, where the three exchanged compliments.
“You understand, don’t you?” joked the king during the meeting. Beckham responded: “It was amazing, thank you. That was very kind of you.”
According to the British press, the dialogue indicated that the invitation for the honor had already been sent weeks before.
With an estimated net worth of 500 million pounds (about R$3.2 billion), David and Victoria Beckham have become one of the most influential couples in the United Kingdom. In addition to his success on the field, the former player is recognized for his involvement in charitable campaigns and social projects linked to childhood and global development.
