Football icon David Beckham’s long wait for a knighthood is finally over and it seemed he knew for some time as King Charles asked a very cryptic question last month
David Beckham’s wishes have finally come true as King Charles is making him a Sir in his Birthday Honours. After years of waiting and trying, the former England footballer, 50, will soon be able to add the title to his name.
He was bypassed for a knighthood by the late Queen for decades, sparking much speculation over the years as to why he hadn’t picked up the title. Year after year, David had been notably absent from the honours list.
In 2013, it seemed his chances were dashed when explosive emails were leaked where he reportedly lashed out at the Honours Committee for not including him, referring to them as “unappreciative c***s.”
However, the tables have finally turned for David and he will finally get his honour next week. It seems he knew about the move for a while as King Charles ‘ cryptic comment to David now makes sense.
The pair met each other at the Chelsea Flower Show last month alongside Queen Camilla, where a huge hint was dropped. During their meeting, King Charles asked: “You got it, didn’t you?” David replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
Ex-royal butler Paul Burrell said last year that David shouldn’t hold his breath for a knighthood citing three key reasons. Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Paul explained: “We haven’t seen [David Beckham knighted] yet because A, he’s not old enough and B, he hasn’t earned his stripes yet and C, he’s still in a very commercial world.”
Paul added: “He’s obviously been fast tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet and they’re keeping him just dangling for a while. Because, you know, they’re waiting to see what happens.
“I think he is an excellent ambassador, not only for charitable foundations, but for our country. I think he’s shown his worth, and I’m expecting it. Of course it’s going to happen. The question is, when.”
He explained it was all just a matter of time for David and shared: “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 seems Paul was completely right as just a little time later, David has now secured the elusive title. David’s representative slammed the 2013 email reports, accusing them of being misleading and based on manipulated content.
At the time, it was claimed he was particularly incensed by opera singer Katherine Jenkins receiving an honour, allegedly retorting: “Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. F****** joke.”
A close pal of Beckham later spoke to the Mirror about the incident, revealing that although David regretted the messages, they were sent “in the heat of the moment”. The friend said: “Genuinely, he wasn’t as vitriolic as that, but you do say some things in private and in the heat of the moment.
“To be honest, he does feel that he has given so much to his country. And sometimes you say things in private that anyone would say and you don’t really mean it. While he was frustrated in those emails, he was over it the moment he sent them. Getting the knighthood is not what his work is about. He doesn’t care if he gets a knighthood or not.”
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