'Arise Sir David!' Footballer Beckham knighted
'Arise Sir David!' Footballer Beckham knighted
Former England footballer David Beckham speaks to Britain's King Charles at an award ceremony earlier this month. File photo: AFP
Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honour.
Beckham, who played 115 times for England as well as for some of the world's most high-profile clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now be known as "sir" and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham.
Daltrey, who co-founded The Who in 1964, will also take the title of sir having been recognised for his services to charity and music in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list.
The singer has been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, holding fundraising concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall for more than two decades.
Oldman, who won a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 2017's "Darkest Hour", also received a knighthood for his services to drama.
His films have earned over US$11 billion, and his credits include the "Harry Potter" series, The "Dark Knight" Trilogy and "Air Force One", along with cameo appearances in sitcom "Friends" and music videos for David Bowie and Guns N' Roses.
Beckham is understood to have been on the verge of receiving a knighthood after helping London win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
But UK authorities placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. He was subsequently cleared. (AFP)
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