Beckham finally receives his knighthood

Twenty-five trophies, 115 England caps, five international tournaments and countless priceless goals.

Beckham finally receives his knighthood

But today David Beckham has finally received one of the few honours that has eluded him during a trophy-laden 21-year football career and beyond.

Dressed in a suit tailor made for the occasion by Victoria, he was knighted by King Charles himself at Windsor Castle for his services to sport and charity.

Beckham finally receives his knighthood

The 50-year-old’s devoted wife and his proud parents Ted and Sandra smiled as they watched him bow and kneel for the monarch who touched him gently on both shoulders with his sword.

Beckham finally receives his knighthood

The King and his new knight, who have struck up a heartwarming friendship in recent years over their shared love of gardening and bees, smiled, shook hands and chatted briefly during the moving investiture ceremony.

Speaking afterwards Sir David admitted he had been emotional as he received his greatest honour – and revealed that Charles had complimented him on the suit Victoria had designed and made for him as a gift.

‘I’ve been very obviously lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and done what I’ve done but to receive an honour like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought that I would receive’, he said.

‘To be honest, a young boy from the east end of London, born in Leytonstone, and here at Windsor Castle, being honoured by His Majesty the King – the most important and the most respected institution in the world – it’s quite a moment. This is without doubt my proudest moment’.

His knighthood marks a pivotal and personally important moment for one of England’s greatest ever footballers. It is also a dream that Sir David Beckham probably never thought would come true after waiting for so long.

Beckham finally receives his knighthood

Asked whether he managed to speak to Charles during the ceremony, Sir David said: ‘He was quite impressed with my suit. He’s kind of the most elegantly dressed man that I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks over the years and he definitely inspired this look.

‘It was something that my wife made me. I looked at old pictures of him when he was quite young in morning suits and I was like, OK, that’s what I want to wear, so I gave it to my wife and she did it.’

The father-of-four was knighted alongside Sir Mel Stride, the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for his political and public service.

It is certainly a dream come true for Beckham.

David will have a small celebration afterwards for close friends and family later.

His children Romeo, Cruz and Harper are expected to attend – though, sadly, his eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola won’t be in attendance amid a family fall-out.

Beckham finally receives his knighthood