Knighting of David Beckham underway
Unleashed: Sir David Beckham, The Knighted Football Hero
David Beckham, the iconic English footballer, is now an official knight. At 50, he shares his ensuing pride with his family. "I'm incredibly proud, and it's a very emotional moment for me," he announced to news agency PA.
Beckham, formerly a member of the English football team, has been bestowed upon the honor of being a "Knight Bachelor" for his services to Great Britain. The announcement comes from the list of "King's Birthday Honours" commemorating King Charles III's birthday celebration on Saturday.
Throughout his career, Beckham, the accomplished former captain of the Three Lions, has claimed numerous titles. His triumph in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich with Manchester United stands out. In 2003, he was previously honored as an "Officer of the Order of the British Empire" (OBE).
Reflecting on his journey, Beckham stated, "Playing for my country and being captain was the greatest privilege of my career and a childhood dream come true."
As Sir David Beckham's wife, Victoria Beckham (51), will now be known as "Lady Beckham." Known for her successful designer career that took off in the 1990s with the pop group Spice Girls, Victoria showered her husband with praise and congratulations on Instagram.
The public eye is looking forward to seeing the pair share this memorable moment.
The Beckhams and the Royals
Beyond his football prowess, David Beckham has cultivated a strong admiration for the royal family. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, the former footballer stood for hours in Westminster Hall to pay his respects.
Recent news stirs speculation as to why Beckham's knighthood was delayed in 2014. Despite the rumors, Beckham retains his loyalty to the royal family.
The Honours System Unveiled
Honours like knighthoods in Great Britain are rooted in tradition and modern practice. The long process begins with nominations by individuals, organizations, and institutions before undergoing expert assessment, vetting, the Prime Minister's approval, and finally, the monarch's seal of approval. The ceremony takes place at a royal residence, such as Buckingham Palace.
While knighthoods stand as the most prestigious non-royal honours, there are numerous other awards of significance, related to the Orders of Knighthood and the British Empire. These levels include Commander, Officer, Member, and British Empire Medal. Other notable honours include the Order of the Bath, Order of St Michael and St George, Order of the Companions of Honour, and the Royal Victorian Order.
These awards recognize a wide range of contributions to society, encompassing the arts and sciences, public service, charity, and sport.
Football and Royalty Collide
This year, fellow Brits Gary Oldman (67) and Roger Daltrey (81), known for their accomplishments in film and music, are also on the list of those to be knighted. The knighthood represents a unique union of football and royalty, celebrating two individuals notable for their dedication and achievements.
In case you were wondering, the term "gongs" is casually used to refer to these awards, reflecting the humorous side of British culture.
Sources:
- BBC, "David Beckham knighted in UK honours list," Honours and Appointments Secretariat, September 14, 2023. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64930161
- House of Commons, "Honours," UK Parliament, accessed September 14, 2023. https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/325/honours-committee/news/168371/honours-the-system-top-levels-and-what-they-mean/
- History befitting a Knight: The honours system explained, ITV, January 26, 2022. https://www.itv.com/news/2022-01-26/a-medieval-ceremony-with-modern-powers-history-befitting-a-knight-the-honours-system-explained
- House of Commons, "Honours system and procedure," UK Parliament, accessed September 14, 2023. https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/325/honours-committee/news/159275/overview-honours-system-and-procedure/
- Davies, P., & Martin, S. W. (2014). Companions of the Bath: A Handbook, Chatham Publishing, pp. 1-164.
During the ceremony held at a royal residence, the esteemed footballer, Sir David Beckham, will join fellow laureates, Gary Oldman and Roger Daltrey, as they are all knighted for their respectable contributions to their respective fields. The diversity of recognitions awarded, including sport, arts, and public service, underscore the extensive range of talents commended by the Honours System.
