Former England captain and midfield legend David Beckham will receive a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, joining other distinguished figures being honoured for their contributions to British society.
The 50-year-old football icon is being recognised for his outstanding services to sport and charity. Earlier this year, Beckham said he was “immensely proud” to be included in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Born in north-east London, Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 1995 and became one of the club’s greatest players. He was part of the historic 1999 treble-winning team that claimed the Champions League title in dramatic fashion against Bayern Munich. Over his career, Beckham scored 85 goals and won numerous trophies, including six Premier League titles and two FA Cups, before retiring in 2013.
Beyond football, Beckham has championed several charitable causes. Since 2005, he has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and has used his platform to support children’s welfare worldwide. A proud royalist, he was also appointed ambassador for the King’s Foundation last year — an educational charity founded by King Charles III in 1990.
Known for his signature style, Beckham was named GQ’s “Most Stylish Man of the Year” in 1998 and has modelled for brands such as Armani, H&M, and Hugo Boss. He and his wife, Victoria Beckham, married in 1999 and share four children — Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
Also honoured at Tuesday’s ceremony are Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro and celebrated stage performer Elaine Paige.
Ishiguro, 70, received the title of Companion of Honour for his remarkable contributions to literature. The Japanese-born author, famed for The Remains of the Day (1989) and Never Let Me Go (2005), has also written acclaimed screenplays, including the Oscar-nominated Living (2022).
Paige, 77, was made a Dame for her services to music and charity. Known for her iconic portrayal of Eva Peron in Evita, she went on to star in Cats, Chess, and Sunset Boulevard. Over her decades-long career, Paige has released more than 20 solo albums and supported multiple charities, including The Children’s Trust and the Royal Voluntary Service.
