David Beckham ‘needed to meet one King Charles situation’ to lastly get knighthood
Footy legend Sir David Beckham has finally been awarded a knighthood for his services to sport and charity at Windsor Castle, but it’s claimed he had to ‘earn his stripes’ first
It’s said David Beckham had to ‘earn his stripes’ before being knighted by King Charles.
The 50-year-old England footy legend was bestowed the honour by King Charles III on Tuesday (November 4) at a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Sir David went on to party it up with his family and famous friends, although son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola-Peltz Beckham weren’t there.
But it’s claimed it only happened after Beckham fulfilled one crucial condition set by the King, and that was ramping up his involvement with the King’s Trust. Former royal butler Paul Burrell, who served Princess Diana for a decade, believed it was inevitable that Becks would get knighted.
Speaking to Genting Casino earlier this year, Burrell said: “Of course it [Beckham getting knighted] is going to happen. The question is, when?
“When will the King finally say it’s time for David to receive his knighthood? I think he has to put some more work into the King’s Trust, and I think he’ll be seen many more times with the King and William before that honour comes his way.”
It would appear Beckham took the hint. Over the past year, he’s dived deeper into his charity work, emerging as an excellent ambassador for the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust).
This organisation, close to Charles’ heart, supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through education, employment and sports initiatives. Beckham’s global fame in these areas are no doubt proved extremely valuable.
His efforts paid off visibly. Last year, Beckham joined Prince William at RAF Northolt to unveil two new helicopters for the London Air Ambulance Charity, helping raise £16million via the ‘Up Against Time’ appeal.
He was also spotted mingling with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show, highlighting how close he’d become with the royals.
Burrell had warned Beckham “hasn’t earned his stripes” yet, stuck in a “very commercial world.” But by prioritising the King’s Trust, Beckham proved his commitment.
“He’s obviously been fast-tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet – they’re keeping him just dangling for a while,” Burrell said.
Now, after a long wait, he’s finally received the honour. He was included in King Charles’ Birthday Honours list back in June.
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