Should David Beckham have finally received a knighthood?
Arise Sir David Beckham? If tabloid speculation was to be believed, the nation’s favourite left footer could have been being lined up for a knighthood after a series of invitations to events at Buckingham Palace – most recently with Victoria for his first ever state banquet welcoming the Emir of Qatar.
However, David wasn't included in the latest New Year's Honours list. The footballer's name was noticeably absent from the line up which includes Stephen Fry and Gareth Southgate up for knighthoods, Jacqueline Wilson being made a Dame, and Sarah Lancashire being honoured with an OBE.
But should David have finally been made a Sir this time around, and could he still be in the running for next time? Well, he and Victoria are no strangers to all things palatial. Their Hertfordshire home was nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', and they sat on throne-like chairs at their wedding…
In fact, the couple celebrated 25 years of marriage with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post, revisiting the iconic purple outfits they wore at their wedding reception.
As David already has an OBE, he is a step closer to receiving a Knighthood. But he’s had to build his reputation back up after a series of potentially reputation-rocking events. Here’s a handy ready reckoner to bring us all up to date…
DB’s 'dastardly deeds'
Being a gay icon no more – the man once called ‘Golden Balls’ put his enduring appeal to the test when he become the face of a controversial World Cup, as an ambassador for Qatar.
Losing for England – hearts were broken when Beckham was given a red card against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup. England lost the game and were out of the tournament.
Questionable tax affairs – according to Tom Bower’s recent book House of Beckham, David sought advice to legally minimise the amount of tax he pays, which may have scuppered his chances of a knighthood.
Questionable fashion sense – love it or loathe it, Becks has sported a series of eye-brow raising fashion statements including a sarong, cornrows when meeting Nelson Mandela and matching Versace leather outfits with Victoria.
Leaving Manchester United – in 2003, Alex Ferguson was building his team around Beckham when David said adios! and left The Reds he loved for Real Madrid. His exit followed a major deterioration in his relationship with Ferguson… a ‘golden balls-up’, perhaps.
DB’s courtly credentials so far
Winning for England! The footballing legend scored 17 goals for England during a 13 year international career.
Giving his all – Beckham helped secure the London 2012 Olympics, assisting Prince William in raising funds for the London Air Ambulance and acting as ambassador for the Kings Foundation, an educational charity the then Prince of Wales established in 1986.
Helping motorists in need – specifically, stopping to help a driver who’d broken down on a roundabout on the A10. Not excessively chivalrous in itself, but given he was England captain at the time it does stand out, especially to trapped motorist Paul Long who recalled thanking him thus: “David Beckham, I love you, mate.”
Winning the popularity stakes – Becks is beloved by Ryan Reynolds, Elton John, Gordon Ramsay, Phil Neville, Brad Pitt, Usher and the punters at the Walmer Castle pub in Notting Hill that he bought with Guy Ritchie - and fully revamped.
Winning over the nation in 'The Queue' – who could forget the solemn-looking Beckham who reportedly queued for nearly 12 hours to view the Queen’s coffin lying in state - unlike other celebrities who paid their respects via a press gallery for a separate viewing.
Being a role model – hard work and determination on pitch, as well as work for UNICEF including launching the 7 Fund, which aims to help children break down barriers like bullying, violence, and child marriage
Adored by fans - won 19 major trophies during his career and was the first English player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France. Not bad for a lad from Leytonstone.
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