Becks has waiting a long time

England football legend David Beckham will finally receive a knighthood in King Charles‘ birthday honours list, a tabloid report claims.

According to The Sun, Becks will become a Sir in the king’s birthday honours list next week.

The 50-year-old former Manchester United star received an OBE in 2003. But following a pally appearance with the monarch and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show last month, it seems David’s long wait for another honour may come to an end soon.
King Charles and David Beckham – soon to receive a knighthood – enjoyed a happy interaction at the recent Chelsea Flower Show (Credit: Photo by Paul Grover/Shutterstock)

David Beckham ‘to receive knighthood from King Charles’

David has reportedly struck up a firm friendship with King Charles over the years. And their most recent appearance together led to reports the king and his wife had sent David a present for his recent milestone birthday.

“You got it, didn’t you?” the king reportedly asked David.

A grateful David, also an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, reportedly replied: “It was incredible. Thank you, it was very kind.”

Additionally, Queen Camilla reportedly added: “Nice to see you again. Glad you got the roses.”

Now, according to The Sun, this interaction could have been a “potential hint” that a knighthood is on the way.
David Beckham has become an ambassador for The King’s Foundation (Credit: Cover Images)

Victoria Beckham set for ‘new title’

If she becomes the wife of a knight, Spice Girl Victoria Beckham would reportedly receive the title of Lady Beckham.

And if Becks is set to kneel and be tapped on the shoulder with a sword in the near future, he will probably have already been informed – and may have known as he and the royals mixed at the horticultural event in London.

That’s because letters inviting potential recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance.

However, if The Sun’s report proves accurate, don’t expect David to comment on it before  a formal announcement. And the government will also not make a remark on expected honours before awarded later this month.

A Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation on honours.”

Could David Beckham miss out on a knighthood?

Meanwhile, another tabloid reckons Becks could be “at risk of losing” the possible knighthood before it is awarded.

The Mirror reports the announcement “getting out” could jeopardise David’s chances.

An unnamed source claimed: “David’s long-awaited knighthood could be on the ropes after the news leaked.”

They went on: “The last thing David needs is the horse bolting before he’s able to close the stable door. But, there are rules and protocols that those being awarded Honours must abide by – including a strict embargo on keeping hush hush before The Gazette shares the list.”

However, while royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agrees any leaking could prove a “theoretical threat”, he added it was “highly unlikely” any potential honour would be revoked.
Prince William, David Beckham, and Prince Harry pictured together in 2010 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

David Beckham’s path to a knighthood

It’s said that Becks’ name may have initially been put forward for the honour after assisting with the process to bring the Olympics to London in 2012.

However, this 2011 consideration was reportedly blocked by the Honours Committee amid claims concerning his tax affairs at the time.

He also attended events alongside Prince William and Prince Harry, particularly with regards to FA activities, and attended both of their weddings.

With politicians backing David over the years, many thought the honour may come in 2022. That year he queued for hours to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, which lay in state in Westminster. And The Sun also claims he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December 2024.