David Beckham Reacts to Knighthood as Fractured Relationship with Son Brooklyn Overshadows Historic Moment

Despite ongoing tension brewing within his family, David Beckham is celebrating a personal achievement.

On Friday, June 13, Buckingham Palace announced the Inter Miami CF and Salford City co-owner, 50, will receive a knighthood from King Charles III for services to sport and charity. His wife, Victoria Beckham, will now be known as Lady Beckham.

“Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,” Beckham shared in a statement given to British media. “To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.”

“Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation,” he continued.

“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment,” the former soccer star added. “It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”

Beckham — who received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2003 — was in attendance during The King’s Foundation annual awards ceremony at St. James’s Palace in London on June 12. Following the event, Beckham shared a group photo with Charles, Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet on Instagram.

“Great to spend time at the @kingsfdn awards meeting inspiring people who are transforming lives through initiatives in environmental education, traditional heritage crafts and sustainable architecture,” he captioned the shot. “Congratulations to all the winners.”

The news of Beckham’s knighthood comes amid reports of an ongoing rift in his family. (David and Victoria, 51, share sons Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, and daughter, Harper, 13.) For months, rumors have swirled that Brookyln’s wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham,  and Victoria had been at odds following the Lola actress’ 2022 wedding to Brooklyn.

Sources have claimed bad blood began to brew when Nicola opted not to wear a dress designed by the former Spice Girl.  (In an August 2022 interview with Variety, Nicola explained she “really wanted to” wear a dress designed by Victoria but “[Victoria] realized that her atelier couldn’t do it, so then I had to pick another dress.”)

In May, Brooklyn and Nicola were noticeably absent when David celebrated his milestone 50th birthday in London. At the time, a source told People that the couple had passed on attending because Romeo was dating Kim Turnbull, who was once linked to Brooklyn. (Romeo and Turnbull called it quits earlier this month after seven months of dating.)

“Brooklyn didn’t want to be in the same room as her, and he told his dad that,” the source told the outlet. “But David opted to have Kim there over Nicola.”

In May, Brooklyn and Nicola opened up to Glamour Germany about how they navigate dealing with public scrutiny. “People are always going to talk,” Brooklyn — who recently showed off a tattoo penned by his wife — explained. “What matters is that we’re happy together.”