David Beckham set to receive knighthood in King Charles III’s birthday honours

Beyond the field, Beckham has built a strong reputation for his charitable work, particularly in efforts aimed at supporting underprivileged children. Since 2005, he has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 2015, the organisation launched The David Beckham UNICEF Fund to mark ten years of collaboration, focusing on protecting children in danger and supporting their rights globally.

David Beckham will be knighted next week as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. pic.twitter.com/Z5z5b7Vuco

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 6, 2025

Most recently, Beckham became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024. The foundation, which reflects King Charles’s long-standing passion for the environment and youth education, is dedicated to helping young people develop a deeper connection with nature. Beckham, who has taken a personal interest in environmental causes, especially beekeeping on his estate in the Cotswolds, has spoken about his love of nature in the family’s Netflix documentary.

Though the path to knighthood hasn’t been without controversy. BBC Sport recalled a 2017 leak of private emails in which Beckham appeared to express frustration with the honours process. His representatives at the time clarified the messages were “hacked,” “doctored,” and taken out of context.

Beckham has already been honoured once by the monarchy, having received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for services to football. But this potential knighthood goes beyond sport, recognising his continued contributions to British society and his global influence.

In addition to his philanthropic and environmental efforts, Beckham remains active in football, serving as co-owner of Inter Miami CF in the United States and part-owner of Salford City in League Two.

The official honours list is expected to be released next week.