“I cried when I first found out”: United icon overcome by emotion as he formally receives “extra special” honour

Legendary Manchester United midfielder David Beckham sent a message expressing his pride after he formally received a knighthood from King Charles. Beckham knighted Earlier this year, Beckham was named on King Charles’ Birthday Honours list for his football career and contributions to British society. Beckham, who was capped 115 times by England, was knighted by the King during a ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday. The ex-United man bent on one knee as the King performed the duty with a ceremonial sword. Arise, Sir David Beckham! pic.twitter.com/5erW1I3ZrU — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 4, 2025 Beckham was accompanied by his wife, Victoria and his parents, Sandra and David, at Windsor Castle. After the occasion, a delighted Beckham could make no secret of his delight at formally being knighted, highlighting the feat as perhaps his greatest ever accomplishment. Beckham’s statement The 50-year-old told reporters [as quoted by United’s official website], “The monarchy has always been very important in our family – my grandparents, my parents, my kids, myself, the royal family have always played a huge role and I’ve always had huge respect for them.” “Especially when I travel around the world and people want to talk to me about our royal family, and that shows how much respect people have. To be here today, to receive a knighthood from His Majesty, the King, it’s pretty surreal.” “I was just hoping I would get it all right! You get walked through it and told what the protocol all is and obviously, to see His Majesty, the King stood there and receiving me and being as elegant and charming as he always is, it’s such a special moment.” He continued, “I think obviously being told I had the honour was a special moment. I’ve been lucky to have won things in my career and done things, and played for my country and captained my country, but, without doubt, this is the moment that makes me very proud.” “For a number of reasons – not just my career, not just for the sport, but to get it for the philanthropic work I do, that’s so important to me. My charity work has always been work that I don’t have to do. I do it because I love doing it, I do it because I make a difference and we make change and, in all honesty, it’s extra special to receive a knighthood, for not just my sport but the important work I do with children.” “It’s nice to have six Premier League titles and obviously a few other medals along the way, but this, without doubt, will be pride of place.” “I cried when I first found out and possibly for a few months after it as well. But this week has been really emotional. Being back in London and obviously in the lead-up to this day, it’s not been stressful. I’ve not been nervous, I’ve just been emotional – I get that from my mum!” Beckham explained that his emotions come from his journey. He talked about his humble background, from growing up in East London to now receiving the greatest honour in the country. Feature image Rich Storry via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!