David Beckham was officially knighted by King Charles III, becoming Sir David Beckham, in a ceremony held this Tuesday in Berkshire. The former English footballer, who wore the Manchester United and England national team jerseys on 115 occasions, was distinguished for his services to football and British society.
The honor comes nearly 15 years after he was initially proposed for the title. In 2011, Beckham’s appointment was vetoed by the Honors Dismissal Committee due to suspicions of tax crimes, for which he was eventually acquitted.
Emotional, Beckham said: “I couldn’t be more proud. People know how patriotic I am. I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.” The now Sir David Beckham was accompanied by his wife, Victoria Beckham, and his parents, Ted and Sandra.
Beckham, who had already been distinguished by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 as a member of the Order of the British Empire, now joins a list of legendary figures in British sport who have received the same recognition, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Bobby Robson.
