David Beckham will receive his knighthood at Windsor Castle today, with wife Victoria Beckham also embracing a prestigious title change. The former England captain’s knighthood was revealed in June as part of King Charles’ Birthday Honours list. The Manchester United legend has been in contention for a knighthood since 2011, and for his extensive contributions to sport and charitable causes, he will finally be dubbed a Sir by a member of the Royal Family this week.
However, it’s not only Beckham who has decided to adopt a fresh moniker. Following tradition, his spouse, ex-Spice Girl and fashion mogul Victoria, has also embraced a different designation. Victoria will henceforth be recognised as ‘Lady Beckham.’
This is the designation bestowed upon a woman married to a gentleman holding the title of ‘Sir’, and whilst it represents an optional official modification, the 51-year-old has welcomed it.
When Beckham’s long-awaited honour was announced in June, his partner shared an heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir David Beckham!” she wrote alongside a photograph of herself embracing her husband.
“What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you. Your dedication to the things that matter most – your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family – has never wavered.
“The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us every day. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much.”
Beckham became visibly moved when the announcement was made, telling PA: “Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour.
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.
“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment.
“It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”
Beckham had been widely tipped for the accolade and was reportedly set to receive his knighthood in 2022, but leaked correspondence from 2017 in which he purportedly criticised the honours system and its panel scuppered those plans. Beckham reportedly lashed out at the committee, branding them as “unappreciative c***s” and allegedly stated that he didn’t “care about being knighted.”
Beckham’s representatives were quick to refute these claims, labelling the reports as misleading and based on manipulated content.
