While getting knighted by King Charles, David Beckham paid tribute to his wife Victoria, who has made no secret of her feelings for the British monarch
Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
11:28, 06 Nov 2025
Victoria Beckham and King Charles have known each other for years(Image: Getty Images)
Victoria Beckham made her admiration for King Charles clear long before David Beckham’s long-awaited knighthood.
The former Spice Girl – now officially Lady Beckham – attended the ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where His Majesty conferred the title of ‘Sir’ upon her husband. The honour marked the end of a lengthy and often frustrating wait for the former England and Manchester United footballer, who had reportedly hoped for the recognition for years.
In recent months, the Beckhams have appeared increasingly close to the royal family, having been photographed with the King at the Chelsea Flower Show and visiting his Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove House, earlier this year.
Both David and Victoria have known Charles for many years – Victoria first met him in the late 1990s, at the height of her Spice Girls fame. After the King’s coronation in 2023, Victoria shared a throwback photo from 1997 of the her and the group meeting the then-Prince of Wales, praising him on Instagram as “kind” and “supportive” throughout the years.
“I have so many fond memories of meeting His Majesty throughout my career, and he is always so supportive and kind,” Victoria wrote. “Today is a truly historic day and I’m incredibly humbled to celebrate King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they embark on their new roles.”
David paid a heartfelt tribute to Victoria while chatting to the King during his knighthood ceremony. The 50-year-old arrived wearing an impeccably tailored suit that caught Charles’ eye and quickly credited his wife of 26 years for the ensemble.
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“He was quite impressed with my suit,” Beckham told PA. “He’s kind of the most elegantly dressed man I know, so he’s inspired quite a few of my looks over the years – and he definitely inspired this one.
“It was something my wife made me,” he added. “I looked at old pictures of him when he was younger, wearing morning suits, and thought, that’s exactly what I want. So I showed them to Victoria, and she created it.”
Victoria – a celebrated fashion designer whose eponymous label is synonymous with modern sophistication and tailored precision – returned the favour on social media, praising her husband as “the same kind, humble, hardworking man I met nearly 30 years ago” following his knighthood ceremony.
Beckham’s knighthood came after years of near-misses(Image: PA)
“From the moment I met you 28 years ago, you’ve always been so proud to represent your country. Whether on or off the pitch, no one loves England or respects our Royal Family more, so to see you honoured by The King today is something I’ll forever cherish,” she wrote.
“You’ve achieved so much, and yet you’re still the same kind, humble, hardworking man I met nearly 30 years ago, as well as the most amazing husband and father. I’ve never felt prouder than I do today. Sir @davidbeckham, we all love you so much xxx.”
After several near-misses, David Beckham’s name finally appeared on King Charles’ Birthday Honours List in June. Although the announcement briefly courted controversy when details of the accolade were leaked ahead of time, the honour went ahead as planned after it was confirmed that neither Beckham nor his representatives were responsible for the breach.
Now part of an elite circle of footballing knights – including Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Gareth Southgate – Beckham was visibly emotional after the ceremony.
Sir David Beckham poses with his wife, Lady Victoria, after receiving his knighthood(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s been… not stressful,” he told Sky News. “I wasn’t nervous, just emotional.” He also shared a lighthearted remark about how his family might address him now: “I’m not insisting my kids call me ‘Sir,’ but they can call me Sir Dad if they want.”
In a statement released earlier, Beckham reflected on the significance of the honour: “Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined receiving such a humbling honour.
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch, I’ve been fortunate to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.
“I’m so lucky to do work that gives me so much fulfilment and I’m immensely proud to share this moment with my family.”