David Beckham has finally been awarded a knighthood after being included in King Charles’ Birthday Honours List. Beckham, 50, is among those whose individual contributions to Great Britain have been recognized by the head of state.
As a knight, David Beckham joins an elite group of high achievers from various fields, including politics, business, art, and sport. Some of the most prominent figures in Britain have received knighthoods and damehoods— the equivalent honour for women— including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Elton John, and Dame Judi Dench. Notable athletes who have received this honour include seven-time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, and two-time Olympic gold medal-winning runner Dame Kelly Holmes.
Additionally, he is part-owner of League Two side Salford City and is president and co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, where he successfully signed a group of former Barcelona stars, including eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. Beckham played a crucial role in helping London secure the hosting rights for the 2012 Olympic Games and was instrumental in England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup, which was ultimately held in Russia.
David Beckham has contributed to a number of charities in addition to his amazing football career. His marriage to Spice Girl Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham has contributed to his notoriety. In 2024, he joined The King’s Foundation, which is dedicated to creating “sustainable communities” through various programs and educational projects, after having been an ambassador for Unicef since 2005.
What may have caused Beckham to delay until now?
After being named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, Beckham had to wait to be knighted. According to sources, HM Revenue and Customs refused his application for a knighthood in 2011 because of his alleged involvement in a tax avoidance scheme, which is why his nomination was unsuccessful.
In 2017, several newspapers published details from leaked emails in which Beckham appeared to criticize the honours system and committee. A spokesperson for Beckham stated that the emails were “hacked,” “doctored,” and “private.”
Who else was named in King Charles’ Birthday Honours list?
Beckham was one of several notable British sports figures named in the honours list:
Knighthood
David Beckham – For services to sport and to charity.
Billy Boston – For services to rugby league.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Virginia Wade – Former three-time major winner. For services to tennis and to charity.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Alistair Brownlee – Olympic gold medal-winning triathlete. For services to triathlon and to charity.
Deta Hedman – Darts trailblazer. For services to darts and to charity.
Devon Malcolm – Former England cricketer. For services to cricket and to diversity in cricket.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Rachel Daly – Former England international. For services to association football.
Michael Dunlop – Record holder for number of wins and podiums at the Isle of Man TT. For services to motorcycle racing.
Luke Humphries – World No. 1 darts player. For services to darts.
Luke Littler – Reigning darts world champion. For services to darts.
When are honours awarded?
Honours are typically awarded in the New Year or on the sitting monarch’s official birthday in June. Political events may also lead to the awarding of knighthoods and damehoods. Dissolution honours are given to selected politicians when Parliament ends before a general election, and resignation honours can be awarded by prime ministers who step down without losing an election.
