Sir David Beckham admitted that he was “very emotional” before receiving a knighthood from the King.
The footballing icon, 50, was knighted for his “services to sport and charity” in a ceremony at Windsor Castle, three weeks ago.
“It’s been a very emotional week. I wasn’t nervous, just emotional, as it means so much to me and my family”, Sir David told People’s magazine.
He continued: “It’s such a huge honour to receive, and all-round, it was a very special day for us. It’s a memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Mr Beckham was joined by his wife Victoria and both of his parents, who were not in attendance when he received his OBE in 2003, as Sir David chose instead to bring his maternal grandparents Joe and Peggy, both of whom have since died.
The former England captain marked the occasion in a bespoke morning suit created by his wife.
Sandra Beckham honoured the family business by wearing a dress from her daughter-in-law’s fashion label.
“David’s mum and dad didn’t go before,” a family friend told the Daily Mail, noting how the footballer had specifically selected his grandparents for the previous honour, “as he knew just how much it would mean to them”.
The King knighted Sir David at Windsor Castle
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PAThe footballer’s grandparents played a significant role in fostering his connection to the monarchy during his childhood.
Mr Beckham recalls watching his grandfather rise from his seat whenever the Queen delivered her Christmas Day broadcast.
“They adored the Royal Family and were loyal monarchists who had so much respect for the late Queen,” the family friend noted.
Sir David discovered in the spring that he would feature in the King’s Birthday Honours, prompting Victoria to embark on her secret tailoring project.
Sir David was joined by his wife and parents
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GETTYThe tailored three-piece outfit is a milestone for the fashion designer, marking both her debut in creating men’s formal wear with a tailcoat and the first garment she has ever produced for her husband.
“David teases Victoria that she never makes him any clothes,” a friend of the couple said, explaining how the designer seized this opportunity to surprise her husband.
Despite having no previous experience with men’s formal tailoring, Victoria committed herself fully to the challenge once she realised the ceremony would be months away.
“She doesn’t do anything by halves,” the source added, noting how the designer “threw herself into it and made sure it was absolutely perfect”.
PA
The friend confirmed that wearing his wife’s creation would add extra significance to an already momentous occasion.
Shortly after receiving his knighthood, Mr Beckham turned to social media to share his enthusiasm about the honour.
“I have been fortunate to represent our country, and I’ve always done that with pride,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I love our Royal Family and what it means to people not just in Great Britain but around the world. I could never have dreamed that this would happen to me.”