"I never imagined I would receive such an honor": David Beckham knighted by King Charles III

The former footballer is decorated for his services to sport and charitable organizations.

Now we can call him Sir. Former footballer David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III, according to the traditional honours list published on Friday, June 13. It is the culmination of years of work for the sports and fashion icon, who is being decorated for his services to sport and charity. Since retiring from the sport in 2013 , the former number 7 has successfully diversified his career, partnering with UNICEF and campaigning for Malaria No More, an organization working to eradicate malaria.

"I never imagined I would receive such an honor," said David Beckham, who grew up in East London in a modest environment, with " patriotic and proud British parents and grandparents." The 50-year-old former footballer, who retired in 2013, and his wife Victoria, a fashion designer and former Spice Girl, have been involved in the royal sphere for years . They were invited to the weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

Twice a year, on New Year's Day and on the monarch's official birthday on June 14, Britons are honored for their contributions to society. More than 1,200 people are honored in the new list. Knights and dames are the highest rank. Actor Gary Oldman, who won an Oscar in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the film "Darkest Hour," was also knighted for his services to drama. Also on the list is Roger Daltrey, the singer and co-founder of The Who in 1964, for his services to music and charity. For more than two decades, he has organized concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which helps teenagers with cancer.