Intense speculation is increasing that former England football captain David Beckham may soon receive a knighthood following his recent proximity to the King.
King Charles may honor the international sports and fashion star in his New Year’s Honours list, recognizing his philanthropic efforts worldwide. David Beckham and his fashion designer spouse, Victoria, were unexpected attendees at a lavish state banquet on Tuesday evening, honoring the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher, PEOPLE Magazine reported.
Beckham, 49, was characterized in royal circles as "the ideal guest" for the state event due to his ambassadorial position for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which marked the inaugural hosting of the championship in the Middle East.
The former player, who earned 115 caps for England and captained the country for six years, has previously been anticipated to receive a promotion from his existing OBE, having been included in the late Queen's Birthday Honours List for contributions to football in June 2003, after retiring from his career with some of the world's most prestigious clubs, including Manchester United, AC Milan, and Real Madrid.
A decade later, Beckham garnered media attention for sending a series of angry letters in which he referred to the Honors Committee that denied him a knighthood as "unappreciative c***s." The vitriolic outburst and accusations of tax evasion during his tenure in Spain from 2003 to 2007 appeared to have undermined his prospects of being appointed a Knight.
Brand Beckham, one of the most recognizable figures globally, faced allegations of orchestrating a campaign to receive an award from the late Queen Elizabeth II. This would bestow upon him the title 'Sir' and his wife the designation "Lady" Victoria in the U.K.
Honours lists provide accolades for individuals who have attained notable accomplishments in public life and dedicated themselves to serving and assisting Britain. The monarch bestows the New Year and birthday honors based on nominations from the Prime Minister or senior government ministers.
Public members may also nominate someone for an award, constituting approximately one-fourth of all nominations. Honours lists comprise rewards for individuals who have made notable contributions to public life and dedicated themselves to serving and assisting Britain.
The irate tirades in emails to a business associate—later asserted by him to be fabricated—articulated his frustration at not receiving a promotion. Beckham expressed discontent with vocalist Katherine Jenkins receiving an honor.
“Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. F****** joke," he asked.
The Champions League winner reportedly asserted he was indifferent to receiving a knighthood. “I expected nothing less. It's a disgrace to be honest and if I was American I would of [sic] got something like this 10 years ago," he added.
In 2017, a confidant of Beckham informed The Mirror that he is currently entirely composed due to his significant contributions to UNICEF. He is merely disheartened that individuals would scrutinize all of that effort.
In truth, he was not as acidic as that, yet one may express such sentiments privately and in the heat of the moment. He genuinely believes he has contributed much to his country. Occasionally, one expresses private sentiments that others commonly articulate without genuine intent.
Nevertheless, many familiar with the worldwide football and fashion star have confirmed that his prior tax issues have been thoroughly resolved. In contrast, others highlight his ongoing contributions to the charitable sector, including his nearly two-decade tenure with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador.
In recent years, Beckham has maintained strong connections with the royal family, attended the weddings of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, and this summer notably assumed the role of ambassador for the King’s Foundation.
In June, the King enlisted Beckham to assist in rehabilitating the reputation of his primary philanthropic foundation following a cash-for-honors scandal. Becks was appointed to the new position during a meeting over tea at the monarch's Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire.
A photograph of King Charles giving Beckham a personal tour of the grounds is prominently displayed on the superstar's website within the philanthropy section. Beckham expressed his anticipation of delving into a newly identified mutual interest with the queen in rural skills, wildlife, and the British countryside, in addition to exchanging beekeeping advice.
A knowledgeable source indicated that David Beckham is currently in an optimal situation for a Knighthood more than ever before.
Beckham has developed a close relationship with Prince William, the patron and former president of the Football Association. In October, the Prince of Wales collaborated with Becks to commemorate the acquisition of two new helicopters for London’s air ambulance service.
The pair attended RAF Northolt to commemorate the conclusion of the three-year Up Against Time campaign, which garnered £16 million for the H135 vehicles stationed at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London.
The Prince, 42, and Beckham, 49, exchanged pleasantries as familiar acquaintances before entering the cockpit. The Prince, supporter of the London Air Ambulance charity, had explicitly requested Beckham to lead an Omaze prize draw campaign, which raised almost £4 million for the fund.
The Cabinet Office was solicited for a statement. Buckingham Palace stated that the Cabinet Office is responsible for all honors.
Social media has been rife with responses to the conjecture.
“Becks deserves this! He’s done so much for the UK, both on and off the field," a fan wrote on X. “Let’s not forget the tax scandal. A knighthood should be for those with a clean record," another netizen stated.
“His work with UNICEF and the King’s Foundation speaks volumes. Give him the title already," a third source said. “Fabricated emails or not, the optics aren’t great. Let’s wait and see," an X user commented.
“Few public figures have done more for charity. Beckham has earned his knighthood," a fifth source retorted. “This feels like a PR campaign, but it’s working. Everyone’s talking about it," another netizen added.
Business Times has reached out to King Charles and David Beckham for comments.
