Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham admitted receiving his knighthood was “such an emotional day”.
Sir David Beckham admits he shed “a few tears” as he received his knighthood.
The 50-year-old Manchester United legend was recognised by King Charles in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (04.11.25), and he has opened up on the “special day”.
Sir David told The Sun newspaper: “Today has been such an emotional day — more emotion than nerves, in all honesty.
“There have been a few tears and a lot of emotion. It’s been a very special day. It’s something that we can all be proud of today as a family.
“To have grown up in the East End of London, always dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, always wanting to play for Manchester United and represent my country, everything else that’s come after that has been so special.”
The retired footballer – who was honoured for his services to sport and charity – was joined by his parents Ted and Sandra, wife Lady Victoria, and their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper, although son Brooklyn was absent.
He added: “To have my parents there today, to have my wife there to celebrate with my children, it makes it a very emotional day.
“To receive such an important honour from His Majesty the King — one of the most elegant men, and someone from the most important and respected institution in the world.
“For me, as a boy from Leytonstone, to have stood today in front of His Majesty, knighted in Windsor Castle — it’s a very surreal moment.”
His charity work being acknowledged made the knighthood “even more special”, and he credited his time at Manchester United with instilling that in him.
He said: “We were talking about it last night actually — that all the charity stuff probably started back when I was 15 years old in Manchester, visiting young children in hospital, which was something that Manchester United always did.
“It has continued up until this day and will always continue because I always feel that there’s always going to be a crisis with children and the safety of children.
“So that important work will always continue. But today is just a day to savour as a family.”
Sir David Beckham shed ‘a few tears’ as he received his knighthood
