David Beckham has called it “truly humbling” and an “emotional moment” to be made a knight in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The former England captain receives the honour alongside The Who frontman Roger Daltrey and Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman.
Singer and actress Elaine Paige, novelist Pat Baker, and former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt have been awarded damehoods.
Sir David chatted to the King at an event on Thursday. Pic: PA
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman, as well as darts stars Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, will all get MBEs.
Beckham was made an OBE in 2003, but now finally becomes Sir David after being in the running for many years. He gets the honour for his services to sport and charity.
Sir David was said to be close to a knighthood in 2014, but reportedly lost out after HM Customs and Revenue flagged his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme.
“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,” he told PA news agency.
It’s been 22 years since the ex-footballer got an OBE. Pic: PA
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true,” added the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
Sir David, who recently turned 50, was seen chatting to the King the day before his honour was announced as part of his role as an ambassador for the monarch’s foundation.
He said he’d been fortunate to “represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation”.
Actor Gary Oldman now also becomes a knight. Pic: Reuters
Teenage world darts champion Luke Littler is also on the list. Pic: PA
Sir David added: “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.
“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.”
On the music front, The Who’s singer got a knighthood at age 81.
Sir Roger – known for hits such as My Generation and Pinball Wizard – led the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall concert series for more than two decades.
Sir Roger with The Who at this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust show. Pic: PA
“It’s kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes,” said Sir Roger.
“It’s a dream come true for me, but it’s especially a dream because the charity means so much.”
TV presenter Tess Daly called her MBE “the greatest surprise of my life”.
“I don’t think I’ve come back down to earth yet,” she told PA. “I didn’t see it coming, and it almost didn’t happen because the letter went to the wrong address.
“And thank goodness someone very kind found me. And so by the time I got it, I only had, I think it was two or three days left to accept it.”
Strictly duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly get MBEs. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Her co-star on Strictly, Claudia Winkleman, said she was “incredibly grateful” to be recognised.
“I will buy a hat and am taking my mum [to receive the honour]. I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble,” she said.
West End legend Elaine Page – who has starred in shows such as Cats and Evita – was also honoured for services to music and charity.
The singer said she was in “shock” at becoming a dame
“I’ve got all these different emotions coming at me all at once,” said the 77-year-old. I’m proud and I feel grateful and I’m thrilled and surprised, and so it’s been quite a lot to take in.”
Dame Elaine has roles at two charities – The Children’s Trust and The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, which supports disabled tennis players.
She’s also presented a BBC radio show for more than 20 years.
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Sir Anthony Gormley has been awarded the rarest honour of all. Pic: Reuters
More than 1,200 people from across the country were given honours in the latest list.
Eleven-year-old disability campaigner Carmela Chillery-Watson is the youngest to be recognised after helping raise more than £400,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The oldest is 106-year-old William Irwin, founder of the Coleraine Winemakers Club, who gets a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to the community.
Carmela Chillery-Watson, 11, is the youngest on the list. Pic: PA
However, the top accolade has been awarded to sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, the man behind the Angel of the North, who is made Companion of Honour for services to art.
There can only be 65 companions at any one time.
Other notable names on the list include former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt – who famously had a prominent role holding a sword at the King’s coronation – and is now a dame; and former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, who gets an OBE.
