Former England captain David Beckham
Former England captain David Beckham will receive one of the nation’s highest honours on Tuesday as he is officially knighted at Windsor Castle, joining an illustrious list of British icons recognised for their contributions to sport and charity.
The 50-year-old football legend, who has long been a global ambassador for the game, said earlier this year that he was “immensely proud” to be included in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Beckham, who grew up in north-east London, first made waves in the Premier League with Manchester United in 1995. During his time at Old Trafford, he helped secure six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and was part of the historic 1999 treble-winning team that clinched the Champions League with two unforgettable late goals against Bayern Munich. Over his career, he netted 85 goals before retiring from professional football in 2013.
Beyond the pitch, Beckham has dedicated much of his time to humanitarian work. Since 2005, he has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, supporting global initiatives to protect children’s rights. A self-confessed “huge royalist,” Beckham was also appointed as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation last year—an organisation focused on education, sustainability, and community projects founded by King Charles III in 1990.
Known just as much for his style as his sporting prowess, Beckham earned GQ’s “Most Stylish Man of the Year” title in 1998 and has fronted campaigns for brands such as H&M, Armani, and Hugo Boss. He and his wife Victoria Beckham, whom he married in 1999, share four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
The Windsor Castle ceremony will also honour several other distinguished figures. Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro will be made a Companion of Honour for his services to literature. The Japanese-born British author, celebrated for “The Remains of the Day” and “Never Let Me Go,” joins an elite group limited to just 65 members. Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day” was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1993 film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, garnering eight Oscar nominations. He also wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for the 2022 film “Living.”
In the world of theatre, Elaine Paige will receive a damehood for her contributions to music and charity. Best known for her breakthrough performance as Eva Perón in “Evita” in 1978, Paige went on to star in hits such as “Cats,” “Chess,” and “Sunset Boulevard.” With over 20 solo albums, an Olivier Award, and a chart-topping single—“I Know Him So Well” with Barbara Dickson—she remains one of Britain’s most cherished musical talents. Outside the spotlight, Paige has supported numerous charities, including The Children’s Trust and The Royal Voluntary Service.
Tuesday’s ceremony at Windsor Castle will mark a proud and emotional day for all three honourees, each recognised for their exceptional contributions to British culture, sport, and the arts.
(PA Media/dpa/NAN)
