Arise Sir David: Footballer Beckham is knighted

Sir David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, honoured for his services to sport and charity.

The former Manchester United and England star was accompanied by his wife - now known as Lady Victoria - and his parents, Ted and Sandra.

Sir David, 50, was dressed in a grey three-piece suit made by his fashion designer wife, which was inspired by a suit King Charles wore when he was younger.

The footballer said: "[King Charles] was quite impressed with my suit. He's 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."

He added: "It was something that my wife made me.

"I looked at old pictures of [King Charles] 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."

Speaking of his honour, Sir David said: "I couldn't be prouder. People know how patriotic I am - I love my country.

"I've always said how important the monarchy is to my family.

"I'm lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud."

Lady Victoria received an OBE in 2017 for services to the fashion industry, while Sir David was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.

Sir David played 115 times for his country as well as for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris St-Germain and AC Milan, retiring in 2013.

He also played a key role in securing the London 2012 Olympics, and has been an ambassador for Unicef since 2005.

Sir David became an ambassador for The King's Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles' education programme and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature.

Others honoured on Tuesday included Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and West End star Dame Elaine Paige.

Sir Kazuo, whose books include 1989's The Remains of the Day and 2005's Never Let Me Go, for which he won the Man Booker Prize, was made a Companion of Honour.

Evita star Dame Elaine received her honour for services to music and charity.

The 77-year-old wore a blue feathered hat made by a milliner to the late Queen and carried a bag designed by Lady Victoria.

She said she made the King laugh during their conversation, telling the PA news agency: "The King has a very quiet voice and he said to me, I think he said to me, 'Are you keeping your hand in?' after having said to me, 'I haven't seen you in quite a while', which was true.

"And so I said I was keeping my hand in and that I was in fact about to embark on a new album and that I would send him a signed copy if he would like it once it's done.

"He thought that was rather amusing and laughed. I'm sure it's not something that he would be particularly interested in but I will send it anyway."

The album will contain songs the singer grew up listening to, including tunes from The Beatles and Joni Mitchell.