David Beckham Knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle — Iconic Photos from the Ceremony

The long-awaited recognition comes after years of speculation about when the global sports icon would be honoured for his services to football and charitable work.

A Royal Honour at Windsor Castle

Beckham, 50, was joined by his wife Victoria Beckham and his parents, Ted and Sandra Beckham, as he knelt before King Charles III to receive the knighthood. The ceremony, held inside the historic Windsor Castle, was attended by other distinguished guests who were also recognised for their contributions to British society.

Dressed in a traditional morning suit, Beckham smiled proudly as the King placed the ceremonial sword on his shoulder. Photos from the event show the football star beaming as he shook hands with the monarch.

Beckham’s Reaction

Following the ceremony, Beckham shared his gratitude on social media, writing:

“It is an incredible honour to receive a knighthood from His Majesty the King. I’m humbled and thankful to my family, friends, teammates, and fans who have supported me through this journey.”

He added that he was “deeply proud to be British” and dedicated the honour to everyone who had inspired and worked with him over the years.

Years of Anticipation

Beckham’s knighthood has been widely discussed since his retirement from professional football in 2013. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and England midfielder was appointed an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for his services to sport.

Since then, he has continued to work on numerous philanthropic initiatives, including his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his support for youth development and children’s welfare around the world.

An Icon Beyond Football

Regarded as one of the most influential footballers of his generation, Beckham’s legacy extends far beyond the pitch. From his leadership as England captain to his global impact in fashion, business, and humanitarian work, the star has remained one of Britain’s most recognisable figures.

Beckham is also the co-owner of Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club that recently signed Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

A Proud Moment

Victoria Beckham, who attended the ceremony with their children, shared photos from the event on Instagram with the caption:

“We’re so proud of you, David. What an incredible day for our family.”

The images of Beckham standing before King Charles — smiling as he received the knighthood — quickly went viral, with fans and celebrities flooding social media with congratulatory messages.