David Beckham has officially been knighted by King Charles, calling it the “proudest moment” of his life — and paying tribute to his East End roots with heartfelt emotion.

The former England captain, 50, looked every bit the royal gentleman in a bespoke three-piece morning suit, lovingly designed by his wife Victoria Beckham. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle, where Beckham knelt before King Charles as a string quartet played a rendition of Golden from KPop Demon Hunters.

The King, known for his own refined fashion sense, reportedly complimented Beckham’s attire, with the football icon revealing: “He was quite impressed with my suit. He’s the most elegantly dressed man I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks — including this one.”

Beckham, visibly emotional, reflected on his journey from Leytonstone to Windsor Castle. “To be honest, a young boy from the East End of London, born in Leytonstone, and here being honoured by His Majesty the King — it’s quite a moment. This is without doubt my proudest moment,” he said.

Victoria stood by her husband’s side in a sleek navy dress from her own collection, holding back tears as the couple posed with David’s proud parents, Ted and Sandra Beckham. Absent, however, was eldest son Brooklyn — continuing to fuel speculation about the family rift.

The honour marks the end of a decade-long wait for Beckham, who was once caught up in a tax scheme controversy that delayed his recognition. His knighthood, ultimately backed by UNICEF and the British Fashion Council, celebrates both his sporting legacy and his two-decade-long commitment to children’s charities.

Beckham’s bond with King Charles has deepened over the years through shared passions — particularly beekeeping and environmental work. The former footballer even gifted the King a jar of his homemade honey, D Bee’z Sticky Stuff, from the Beckhams’ Oxfordshire estate.

After receiving his medal, Sir David and his family were photographed in Windsor’s gardens, where he beamed with pride. “I’ve been lucky in my career,” he said, “but this… this is something else.”