It's Sir David Beckham as football star knighted

Sir David Beckham has been made a knight in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Sir David, former captain of the England football team, is recognised for his services to sport and to charity.

His knighthood was one of the worst kept secrets of recent weeks. Just hours before it was confirmed, he was seen at Buckingham Palace at a reception for The King’s Foundation which he has supported for several years.

Another sports star is knighted. Billy Boston, one of the most celebrated Rugby League players of all time, is recognised for his services to the sport. Sir Billy was invested with his knighthood earlier this week and his honour was dated to June 10, making him the first person on this list to receive his recognition personally.

There’s also a knighthood for The Who’s frontman, Roger Daltrey, who is recognised for his charity work as well as his music. He has been involved in the Teenage Cancer Trust for over thirty years.

Sir Roger, 81, said he was honoured to have been made a knight by King Charles.

One of Britain’s most successful actresses and singers, Elaine Paige, is made a Dame for services to music and to charity. Dame Elaine said she was ‘astonished’ by the recognition. She shot to fame after taking the lead role in a West End version of Evita.

Oscar winning actor, Gary Oldman, has been knighted. Sir Gary, who was recognised with an Academy Award for his portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill in the 2017 film Darkest Hour, has been knighted for services to drama.

Penny Morduant, the first woman to be Lord President of the Privy Council, is made a dame. Dame Penny, as Lord President, formally proclaimed Charles III as King during an extraordinary Privy Council meeting held two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She also famously carried the Sword of State during the Coronation on May 6 2023.

One of the youngest recipients on this King’s Birthday Honours list is new darts world champion Luke Littler. The 18 year old is made an MBE.