Football Icon David Beckham Awarded Knighthood By King Charles

David Beckham’s knighthood is the culmination of years of tireless efforts to transcend football and turn himself into a global icon at the “intersection of sport, fashion and business.”

He had long dreamed of becoming a sir and King Charles III made it a reality when he announced his birthday’s honours list on Friday, marking the end of a decades-long journey travelled with his Spice Girl wife Victoria, creator of the eponymous fashion brand.

The honour, one of the highest bestowed by the UK state, “is a powerful symbolic marker”, Marie Agnes Parmentier, professor of marketing at the University of Montreal and author of several papers on “Posh and Becks”, explained to AFP.

It “reinforces his image as a respectable, committed, and, first and foremost, British man,” she added.

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Britain’s King Charles III, Colonel in Chief of the Coldstream Guards takes his place on the dias during a ceremony to present new Colours to the 1st and 2nd Battalion (Number 7 Company) the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle, west of London, on June 13, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / POOL / AFP)

The knighthood could present new opportunities for the 50-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, “particularly in diplomatic, charitable or political spheres”, said Parmentier.

The former free-kick ace, from a modest East London background, diversified his career after retiring from football in 2013, but success was the result of planning long before he hung up his boots.

“I knew my career was going to end at some point and I wanted to have a career after football,” he said in the documentary series “Beckham”, which aired on Netflix in 2023.

Pioneer

Co-Owner David Beckham of Inter Miami CF attends the Training/Press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Inter Miami CF and Al Ahly at Florida Blue Training Center on June 13, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chris Arjoon/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Chris Arjoon / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

At the height of his football career, Beckham was signing deals with top clothing and beauty brands, building an audience that cut across gender, age and nationality — becoming the first England player to crack the US market.

The successful brand was built on his always immaculate appearance and nearly-always exemplary off-field behaviour, coupled with an unwavering drive to become a pioneer.

This required a certain amount of courage, given that English football in the 1990s was generally the preserve of no-nonsense lads more interested in the pub than the catwalk.

His appearance in a sarong during the 1998 World Cup, revelations that he used make-up, and his eccentric hairstyles were all feverishly gobbled up by the UK’s tabloid press.

Beckham is still capitalising on the fascination, almost 30 years later.

He unveiled his first collection for Hugo Boss in April, is the founder of the Inter Miami football club and the “Studio 99” production company, and has been a UNICEF ambassador for 20 years.

He is now best known not for football, “but for being Beckham, the brand”, said sociologist Ellis Cashmore.

It is a brand worth £500 million ($676 million), according to The Times newspaper’s 2025 ranking.

From Outcast to Hero

British former football player David Beckham smiles during the King’s Foundation Awards ceremony, on the 35th anniversary of The Kings Foundation, at St James’s Palace, in London, on June 12, 2025. (Photo by Chris J RATCLIFFE / POOL / AFP)

The Netflix show exposed the couple to an emerging younger audience, cementing their fame for the foreseeable future.

Beckham “embodies a celebrity at the intersection of sport, fashion, entertainment and business,” explained Parmentier.

The couple’s enduring visibility “is based on a sophisticated media strategy and an ability to embody universal values such as work, family and style,” she added.

But it has been a long and bumpy road, Cashmore pointed out.

In 1998, Beckham was called the most hated man in England after he petulantly kicked out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone during their World Cup round of 16 game.

Beckham was harshly sent off and England lost to their bitter rivals in a penalty shoot-out. Those who had bitten their tongue about his off-field flamboyance gave full vent to their feelings.

National headlines the next day included “10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy” (Daily Mirror) and “You’re Just A Joke Becks” (Daily Mail).

Months of “hell” followed, with death threats, spitting and boos accompanying Beckham wherever he went.

Former England’s football player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2025. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)

“Wherever I went I got abused, every single day,” he said.

“I find it hard to talk through what I went through because it was so extreme. The whole country hated me.”

But the ordeal only sharpened Beckham’s focus.

A year later, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or as he helped Manchester United claim an unprecedented treble, winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

It was often said that Beckham’s career seemed to be scripted by a movie writer, never more so than when the fallen idol took his revenge by scoring the winning goal against perennial rivals Argentina in the 2002 World Cup, redeeming his national hero status.

The royal family were quick to embrace him, inviting Beckham to the weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

Previous rumours of an impending knighthood came to nothing, but his star once again rose in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

While other celebrities came under fire for skipping the queue to view her coffin, Beckham lined up with members of the public for almost 12 hours to pay his respects.

Tom Daley says you’re storing knitwear wrong and shares method to avoid ‘misshaping’

Olympic diver and knitting enthusiast Tom Daley has shared the best way to store your knitwear without risking them stretching or misshapen when you hang them in your wardrobe – and people are impressed

Tom Daley has shared the best way to store knitted clothes in your wardrobe to prevent them stretching (file)(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Former Olympic diver Tom Daley has become known for taking his knitting hobby with him to competitions. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Daley was often seen knitting or crocheting when he was sitting on the stands, waiting for his turn.

Speaking on the Kelly Clarkson show about where he got the idea to try knitting and crocheting, Tom revealed it had been his husband, director Dustin Lance Black’s idea. He revealed: “My coach said to me that I’m so bad at just sitting still and resting and recovering on the weekend. So it was my husband who said, ‘some people on film sets just knit or crochet to pass the time’ and I was like, ‘I’ll try that’.”

Since first been seen knitting in March 2020, Tom was often seen working on a new crochet or knitting project when he attends competitions, even when he competed in the Olympics.

And because of people’s interest in his knitting projects, the former diver decided to start his own knitwear clothing line as well as his yarn The Cottony One, which is made from a plant-powered cotton blend rather than a sheep’s wool.

Because of this, you could say that Tom has become somewhat of an expert in knitwear and everything that comes with it. And to share his knowledge, he took to social media to urge people to change the way they’re storing their knitted clothes.

“All these years, you’ve probably been hanging your knitwear wrong,” Tom said in his video. “I’m going to show you how to hang your knitwear, whether its handmade or not, so it doesn’t get misshapen.”

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Holding up his infamous ‘don’t drink and dive’ jumper that he made himself, Tom went on to show what he claims is the best way to store your knitted jumpers between wears.

“First, you’re going to take your jumper, fold it in half so that the sleeves are touching,” he explained as he folded his jumper. “Then, you’re going to take your hanger, put it in the armpit like that. Then you’re going to fold one side over the other side over.”

As he said this, he showed how he but the hanger so that the hook was poking out by the ‘armpits’ of the jumper. He then folded the bottom part of the jumper to meet the neckline. Finally, he folded the sleeves over the rest of the jumper before lifting it up with the hanger.

“And then it hangs like that,” he said. “And you’ll never get your knits to be misshapen ever again.”

People soon took to the comments to share their thoughts on Tom’s hack, with many saying they were ‘too scared’ to hang their knitted clothes on hangers in case they stretch or get misshapen.

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One person commented: “I just fold them and keep them on a shelf, too scared of the stitches stretching if I hang them in any sort of way lol.”

“Hanging clothing lets the air circulate better around it, keeps it fresher than folding,” another person said.

David Beckham’s kids pay tribute to their dad but Brooklyn’s response speaks volumes

Football star David Beckham’s beloved children have spoke out to celebrate his knighthood amid the ongoing family rift with eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz

David Beckham’s children have celebrated his honour(Image: Getty Images)

David Beckham’s children have heaped on the praise for their famous dad as he finally receives his knighthood. However, eldest son Brooklyn Beckham’s response – or lack thereof – has said much more than his siblings’.

The football icon, 50, has tried for years to get recognition for his dedication to the sport and charity work. Now, his wishes have finally come true as he has been made a Sir and his wife Victoria Beckham a Lady.

In 2013, it seemed his chances were dashed when explosive emails were leaked where he reportedly lashed out at the Honours Committee for not including him on the list, referring to them as “unappreciative c***s.” Time has moved on, thankfully for David, King Charles even dropped a hint last month when they met at the Chelsea Flower Show.

King Charles III (left) speaks to (left to right) Penny Lancaster, David Beckham, Meryl Streep
David has finally received his knighthood (Image: PA)

Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?” Before David replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.” David, who is a proud dad to sons Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and daughter Harper, has been celebrated by his family as his achievement has become reality.

The announcement is some much needed good news for David as the family have been locked in a feud with eldest son Brooklyn, 26. Things came to a head when Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz skipped his 50th birthday celebrations as the drama has reportedly resulted in the couple cutting contact with the famous family.

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Amid the scandal, David’s children have come together to show their support. Cruz and Romeo have both shared gushing tributes on their social media pages. Romeo Beckham gushed over his pride for his dad in a sweet Instagram post, shared shortly after the news was released last night.

Romeo Beckham shared a sweet tribute to his dad David
Romeo Beckham shared a sweet tribute to his dad David

The 22 year old son of David and Victoria posted a photo of himself and his dad at David’s 50th birthday celebration – which son Brooklyn was noticibly absent from – on his Instagram story. The image showed a smiling Romeo looking lovingly at his dad as David pulls a face at the camera.

“So so proud of you,” Romeo gushed as he added four white heart emojis to the post. Meanwhile, David’s son Cruz, 20, also shared his pride over his dad’s big achievement with a gushing Instagram story share.

Musician Cruz posted a picture of his beloved dad smiling while sat in a forest and wrote on top: “I’m so proud dad I love you” before he added: “Sir David Beckham Has a nice ring to it”.

Cruz made a sweet tribute to his dad
Cruz made a sweet tribute to his dad

Romeo, 22, shared a sweet four-word tribute to his dad on Instagram this morning alongside a black and white image with him. The message read: “So proud of you” whihc David later shared to his stories.

However, Brooklyn, who reportedly wasn’t told about the accolade, has stayed silent about his dad’s knighthood online – opting to posy like business is as usual. The silence speaks volumes as the wannabe chef shared three packets of pretzel pita chips on his Instagram story following the news that David was being made a Sir by His Majesty.

Doubling down on the refusal to post a tribute, Brooklyn shared a later snap on his Instagram story as he captured an image of a tin of caviar alongside a bottle of his brand, Cloud 23, hot sauce along with a bottle of wine and two drinking glasses.

Sadly, Brooklyn is allegedly ignoring messages from his parents. David reportedly didn’t tell Brooklyn about the accolade, with his eldest son only finding out via the media. Sources close to Brooklyn, 26, told Page Six that he was thrilled his dad was finally receiving the honour and had known it was so important.

However, a separate source close to the Beckhams told the publication: “Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he’s not responding to those that try to connect.”

Brooklyn Beckham and David Beckham
Brooklyn is said to have fallen out with his famous parents(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Another source denied the claim as they said: “This seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honor being bestowed on Brooklyn’s father.”

Sir David said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour.

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“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.

“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”

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Ritchie Neville engaged: Five star surprises fans as he’s engaged to ‘nicest soul ever’

Five star Ritchie Neville has surprised fans by announcing he is engaged to a woman who he has called the ‘nicest soul ever’. The singer took to his social media page to announce the exciting news.

He shared a photo to his Instagram page which showed him alongside his new fiancée. The pair beamed for the camera while Ritchie’s partner held up her hand showing off her new engagement ring.

Alongside the post, Ritchie shared a sweet caption which reads: “So…….this happened. Met the nicest soul ever and she felt like my wife the minute I met her.” He also added a blue love heart emoji to the end of the message.





Ritchie found fame in Five

Friends and fans of the star too to the comment section to add their congratulatory messages. One wrote: “Congratulations Rich. That’s great news, happy for you both x.”

As a second said: “Congratulations mate, wishing you both all the love in the world and the most beautiful wedded life together….Big Love C&Jxx.” While another added: “Aww congratulations both, finding your forever person is the BEST!!!”

Ritchie’s exciting news comes after it was recently revealed that he was paid less than minimum wage during Five’s prime. He previously claimed he was exploited in the music industry as he was only making £100 a week when the band sold more than 20 million records.

The group, including bandmates Scott Robinson, Sean Conlon, J Brown and Abz Love recently surprised fans as they announced their reunion tour going through Brighton, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Manchester, London and more. Fans were delighted at the announcement as one said: “Omg this is the best day of my life.”

The group signed for a six-album deal in 1997 but despite their success they were being paid a small weekly amount according to reports. Ritchie said he and his bandmates were only given “two days off in two years” and he said he had his passport taken off him when he contracted chickenpox while on tour.

The band were performing shows in Australia and New Zealand at the time when Ritchie was told by a doctor to take two weeks off and fly home to his parents to rest. But a label representative told the star: “Doctors over-exaggerate, don’t they?”

He said: “In the end, they wouldn’t give me my passport to fly home. Scott [Robinson] had to go in and nick my passport and just hand it to me and bundle me in a taxi at four in the morning.” Ritchie talked about the situation Louis Theroux’s new three-part documentary, Boybands Forever, in which the journalist and filmmaker delves into the 90s phenomenon.

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7-foot climbing Wisteria that blooms vibrant flowers twice a year plummets to under £60 in sale

Add a fairytale twist to your outdoor space with this beautiful climbing wisteria that blooms twice a year and can grow up to a whopping 7 feet tall – and it won’t break the bank

7-foot climbing Wisteria that blooms twice a year plummets to under £60 in sale(Image: Getty)

Elevate your garden or patio this summer with a twice-blooming wisteria plant that can grow up to 7 feet tall. Blossoming into vibrant and colourful flowers in the spring and summer seasons, this wisteria would normally retail for £79.99, but while this deal lasts, it can currently be added to your outside space for the reduced price of £59.99.

Up for grabs from Gardening Express, this blue Wisteria Sinensis Prolific is iconic for its abundant flowering and re-flowering in June and July. It bears flowers and bunches similar to the typical wisteria species, but fuller and more abundant. Precocious blooming, it begins flowering during the first or second year after being planted.

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Wisteria sinensis Prolific
This Wisteria sinensis Prolific can grow up to 6 or 7 feet tall(Image: Gardening Express)

Touted as a strong plant, growing around 150- 180 cms (5-6 ft) tall and even up to 7 feet in some instances, this wisteria is a flowering plant, for initial blooming in the Spring. The Wisteria originated in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and America.

This vigorous, growing climbing shrub is graced with a stunning bouquet of flowers in spring. In summer, an array of fresh, green leaves enriches its vibrant display.

Not only will this rustic shrub withstand the toughest of winters, perfect for a home in the UK’s climate, but it is also resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring it lasts for many seasons to come.

Boasting branches that twist around their support, this plant is ideal for embellishing walls, gates, fences pergolas, railings, banisters, pillars or even leave them to climb and twist themselves around the trunks and branches of other trees, providing a perfect way to liven up your outdoor space with a fairytale-esque cluster of eyecatching flowers.

This adaptable shrub will also grow harmoniously on its own, waving goodbye to difficult or constant maintenance. Sure to make the perfect plant for the most modern or traditional gardens, this wisteria has plenty of praise from buyers who can’t wait to see it flourish.

One 5-star reviewer beams: “Really tall plants arrived quickly and in good condition. Can’t wait to see them grow. Really tall plants arrived quickly and in good condition. Can’t wait to see them grow.”

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Another buyer beams: “This was my first order of live plants and was a great experience. I managed to purchase plants not readily available in my local garden centre. It was swiftly dispatched, well packaged, and exactly as described. It’s a good, healthy plant.”