Photo Credit: Getty Images
Former England captain David Beckham has officially been knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding services to sport and charity — marking what he described as the "proudest moment" of his life.
The 50-year-old football legend received the prestigious honour during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, having been listed in the King's Birthday Honours earlier this year. "I couldn't be prouder," Beckham said after the ceremony. "People know how patriotic I am — I love my country. I've been very lucky in my career to have won what I've won and done what I've done, but to receive an honour like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought I would receive."
Overcome with emotion, Beckham admitted, "I cried when I first found out, and possibly for a few months after it as well. This week has been really emotional." Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, he added, "To be honest, a young boy from the east end of London, born in Leytonstone, and here at Windsor Castle being honoured by His Majesty the King — the most important and most respected institution in the world — it's quite a moment."
The football icon was joined by his wife, Victoria Beckham, their three children — Romeo, Cruz, and Harper — and his parents, Sandra and David. Victoria, who received her own OBE in 2017, designed and tailored the elegant grey suit her husband wore for the ceremony. "He was quite impressed with my suit," Beckham revealed. "He's the most elegantly dressed man that I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks over the years. It was something that my wife made me. I looked at old pictures of him when he was quite young in morning suits and I was like, 'OK, that's what I want to wear,' so I gave it to my wife and she did it."
Victoria expressed her pride in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, "From the moment I met you 28 years ago, you've always been so proud to represent your country. To see you honoured by The King today is something I'll forever cherish. You've achieved so much, and yet you're still the same kind, humble, hardworking man I met nearly 30 years ago."
Beckham, visibly moved by the honour, summed up his feelings simply: "This is without doubt my proudest moment."
