Football legend David Beckham has officially received a knighthood, earning one of the UK's highest honours for his contributions to sport and charitable causes.
The former England captain, who turned 50 in May, will now be formally addressed as "Sir David Beckham," while his wife, Victoria, will be known as "Lady Beckham."
Beckham, who won 115 caps for England and starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, had previously been awarded an OBE in 2003. That recognition marked the beginning of a long journey towards a knighthood, which has now finally materialised in the King's Birthday Honours list.
"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 said in a statement. "I'm lucky to be able to do the work I do, and I'm grateful to be recognised for something that brings me so much fulfilment."
Victoria Beckham, formerly "Posh Spice" of the Spice Girls and now a highly regarded fashion designer, also received an OBE in 2017 for her services to the fashion industry.