Sir David Beckham says it’s been emotional as he receives knighthood

Sir David Beckham has admitted ‘it’s been an emotional day’ as he reflected on his remarkable achievement of being knighted on Tuesday.

The former footballer, 50, was welcomed by King Charles while receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle for services to sport and charity.

His wife Lady Victoria, 51, and parents Ted and Sandra watched as he bowed and knelt for the monarch who touched him gently on both shoulders with his sword.

David’s three youngest children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, were also involved to celebrate their father’s honour, with Brooklyn still absent.

It’s been reported the aspiring chef, 26, ‘did not reach out to congratulate’ his father on achieving his life’s dream.

Brooklyn was busy promoting his hot sauce brand at the same time David received his knighthood.

It is believed Brooklyn remained solely focused on promoting his hot sauce Cloud23 and did not answer any questions about his family.

The Sun reports Brooklyn has not been in contact with his devoted father amid the heartbreaking family rift.

Reflecting on his whirlwind day, David told the publication it was a day ‘full of emotion and tears’.

He said: ‘Today has been such an emotional day — more emotion than nerves, in all honesty. There have been a few tears and a lot of emotion. It’s been a very special day. It’s something that we can all be proud of today as a family.’

‘To have my parents there today, to have my wife there to celebrate with my children, it makes it a very emotional day’, he added.

‘To receive such an important honour from His Majesty the King — one of the most elegant men, and someone from the most important and respected institution in the world.’

Last week, Brooklyn’s parents hinted that a potential reconciliation could be on the horizon, as they praised their estranged son’s kitchen skills. 

Despite their feud, Victoria and David have continued to support their son from afar and last Thursday ‘liked’ his new video on Instagram as he made buttermilk pancakes for his fanbase.

Posh Spice and Becks’ public interaction with Brooklyn comes after he failed to support Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week Show and the premiere of her Netflix documentary earlier this month.

In a recent interview, Brooklyn’s mother Victoria spoke about the ‘changing dynamics’ in her family in the midst of her feud with her son.

The fashion designer appeared on the Call Me Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper and spoke about her ‘close family’, but did not reference Brooklyn directly.

Victoria shared how she tries to create a ‘safe forum’ where her children are able to come and talk to her about any issues they may have.

She said: ‘I mean, we’re such a close family and, you know, communication is key and we always let them know that anything that they want to talk about, you know, this is a safe forum. You know, that’s really important.’

Pressed on how she and David deal with the changing dynamics in their family, she insisted: ‘Again, it’s just about communicating.

‘We’ve always been that way with the kids. And I’m excited for them, they’re all very different. They all like to do different things.’

Brooklyn is said to have become increasingly estranged from the family after failing to attend any of his father’s 50th birthday celebrations in May. 

The knighthood is certainly a dream come true for David.

As a young child he would travel to Horse Guards Parade to joyfully watch Trooping the Colour with his monarchist grandparents.

Members of his family would religiously stand up for the Queen’s Christmas Day speech.

Indeed, this time a decade ago, being handed a knighthood was unimaginable for the former England captain.

He was on the cusp of being made a ‘Sir’ back in 2014, but concerns were raised after he was caught up in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, which was later deemed to be legitimate.

And in February 2017 he took aim at the honours committee for taking him off the list for the gong, leaving his hopes of an honour in tatters.

But he has continued with his charity work. The Daily Mail revealed in June that Beckham was nominated for the award by Unicef, the charity that he has worked with for more than 20 years, and the British Fashion Council.

Sources said that both organisations ‘canvassed opinion’ over whether they should have put Beckham forward and received very positive feedback.

It is understood that some involved with the decision were very impressed with David’s birthday fundraiser, where he asked that instead of presents people donate to the fund to help children – particularly girls – around the world.

His new honour came amid a burgeoning closeness to the King.

They met at the British Fashion Council awards in May 2023 when David gifted him a pot of his homemade honey, ‘D Bee’z Sticky Stuff’, which he makes at the couple’s Grade II-listed barn in Great Tew, Oxfordshire.

The King was stunned to learn about David’s hobby and their conversation quickly turned to their mutual love of bees.

They also met at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show in May this year. The King invited him to Highgrove, where he asked him to join his foundation.

For this special occasion, David and Victoria Beckham all wore custom Victoria Beckham outfits.

Sir David wore a three piece custom morning suit, the first ever tailored menswear piece from Victoria Beckham.

The suit is crafted from a distinguished British wool mohair blend in a deep charcoal grey, featuring a sharply tailored lamp.

Victoria wore a custom version of the brand’s iconic Bela dress, featuring an elongated asymmetric hem and made in a beautifully textured rich navy fabric.